Is Your Home Energy-Efficient? 8 Red Flags That’ll Drain Your Wallet and Destroy the Earth

Going green feels good, which is why we recycle cans and fill up reusable water bottles. Still, much bigger and pricier waste might be sailing right out your doors and windows if the home you’re in (or hope to buy) isn’t energy-efficient.

Truth is, old houses are notoriously expensive to heat and cool, but even newer construction could have design flaws that make them less energy-efficient, too. And since no one wants high electric bills, we’ve polled experts in the field to help you spot the signs that a home isn’t as green as it could be—and what to do to fix it.

Whether you’re shopping on the open market for a house or simply looking for some eco-friendly home improvements for where you live, heed this list to keep more money in your pocketbook.

1. Cold walls and doors

“If you can see light under doors and feel drafts through windows, you’re dealing with low efficiency in the house,” says Caroline Kalpinski, a real estate agent with Sotheby’s International in Asheville, NC.

But if the house you’re touring is an antique and old walls are part of its charm and character, you might be willing to look past this flaw.

Still, to live comfortably and not shell out hundreds in energy bills, “getting new insulation and weatherstripping can alleviate drafts and cracks in less efficient homes,” she adds.

2. Single-pane windows

Tightly sealed windows and doors help a great deal, but if the glass is single pane, you’ll still feel a chill.

“Generally speaking, single-pane windows won’t provide a lot of insulation, so you’ll definitely be able to feel the cold,” explains Erica Dodds, chief operating officer of the Foundation for Climate Restoration and an expert on sustainability.

And if these thin windows are in an older home, it’s a double whammy because “older houses tend to breathe more, making them less energy-efficient,” says Dodds.

3. Old appliances

Stoves and fridges from 1992 or earlier won’t have the Energy Star standards applied to them and are considered ineffective energy users.

“Energy Star criteria have only improved over the years, so newer appliances will be substantially better,” says Dodds.

Still, there’s no need to toss a perfectly good dishwasher if it’s still working, add Dodds, so “wait for the appliance’s life cycle to come to a close and then purchase an Energy Star–rated version.”

4. Dusty AC vents

Nope, dust around air-conditioning vents isn’t a housecleaning issue; it’s an energy problem. In an ideal world, the AC vents you see should be sealed tight, with no dust coming in or out. But streaks around the vents likely indicate the unit isn’t working properly thanks to leaky ducts—and you’re losing cool air in the process.

5. Rusty compressors

The AC compressor is usually hidden outside the house behind a fence or some bushes, but a wise prospective buyer will seek it out.

The reason? An out-of-date system might have visible rust on the components.

“It could look worn on the outside,” says Kalpinski, “and if water is under it, it typically means the system is older and has leaks.”

6. Ice dams

The prospect of ice building up in big patches on the roof is kind of scary. (What if it falls on someone’s head?). It’s also a sign of energy inefficiency since it means you’re losing heat through the roof.

“If your roof is forming ice dams, it means it’s not well-insulated and you could probably use a gutter cleaner, too,” says Curtis Tongue, an energy expert and co-founder of OhmConnect.

7. Signs of rodents

While you probably won’t see actual mice running around at an open house (fingers crossed!), it’s smart to check for signs of rodents and other creepy-crawlies.

“A home that’s not weatherized will see a significant uptick in pests during the summer and winter, so check inside the pantry or cabinets in the kitchen,” suggests Tongue.

Look for signs of chewing and droppings, say the experts.

“Poor insulation is easy to nest in and make tunnels, so access to the home is easier as well,” adds Kalpinski.

8. No HERS score

“HERS stands for ‘Home Energy Rating System,’ and it’s a nationally recognized metric that quickly tells you whether a prospective home is energy-efficient,” explains Tongue.

You can ask the broker you’re dealing with if the home you’re touring has a rating.

“And be sure to find out when the last major renovation was and whether it included insulation,” he adds.

For this and similar articles, visit Realtor.com