Your Energy. Your Money. I Wish I Knew When…
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Experienced homeowners give advice to their younger selves.
One is a boots-on, hands-in-the-dirt kind of owner. The other? A self-proclaimed “energy czar” of her family. What do they both have in common? Experience. And experience has led to decades of stories and advice.
Meet Russel
Tell us your home ownership story.
My story begins with my godfather’s house. As a kid, I’d paint or do yard work there, and eventually, I helped him fix up his rental units. That experience led me to buy my first house at 20. Since then, I’ve renovated an apartment in Jersey City and a house in Towson. Fourteen years ago, I bought a farmhouse that was built in 1860. I’m a dedicated DIYer out of necessity; as a musician and teacher, I can’t afford to hire people. I’m not the poster boy for efficiency, but I’ve seen exactly how it works through decades of projects.
What would you tell your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty or tackle something out of your wheelhouse. Home ownership has no instant gratification; projects take time, so pace yourself one piece at a time.
How do you handle problem rooms that are never the right temperature?
It could be as simple as a closed vent. Start small: Grab a ladder and check. For a novice, electricity and gas are no-goes, but almost anything else can be cleaned up if you make a mess. Short-term wins include heavy curtains, towels under doors or plastic window film.
What was a project that pushed your comfort zone?
I sawed the roof off my house to build an attic dormer. It was scary and it leaked that night, but it taught me you have to walk before you run the marathon. Now, I’m comfortable hiring out for things like roofing while doing siding myself.
Any advice on balancing costs versus outcomes?
Do your homework so you can guide your contractors. I also look for “pieces of vanity”—like a specific recessed light—to provide instant gratification during long-term projects.
Do you still get a sense of accomplishment?
More now. I’m showing my kids what hard work looks like while stewarding a house that could be theirs one day.
Energy Efficiency Opportunity
The Quick Home Energy Check-up is an easy first step toward transforming your living space into a center of energy efficiency at no additional cost to you. During this one-hour exam of your home, a certified energy analyst will evaluate your home’s “vitals” — including insulation levels and door sweeps — to identify exactly where energy is being wasted. It is a stress-free consultation designed to provide immediate comfort while helping you understand how your home interacts with your daily habits.
Meet LaKeisha
Tell us your home ownership story.
My husband and I were first-time homebuyers who bought our home in Howard County before the boom in the 70s. We didn’t know what we didn’t know, but we chose to stay in our original home rather than trade equity for a bigger house. We recently finished a major renovation, and that’s when the value of energy efficiency really became real over time.
When did efficiency become a priority?
We bought our home in September, when neither the heat nor the A/C was running. The sellers were able to mask bottlenecks in the air circulation. When the first winter hit, we realized certain rooms were always freezing. We learned the hard way that ductwork, insulation and windows are what actually make you comfortable. For example, a bedroom over a garage has four walls touching the outside air, which heavily impacts insulation.
What small, quick wins would you recommend to a new homebuyer?
Change your filters monthly and find the gaps. Stand by your windows to feel for drafts; even if it’s not the most aesthetic choice, use plastic seals until you can afford an upgrade. Also, pay attention to the weather—if it’s safe, open the windows and let the house breathe rather than run the A/C. Finally, use a smart thermostat to find a comfortable temperature your family can stick to.
You seem to take great care of your home. Any advice for others?
Treat the behind the scenes of your house like your own health; just as you watch your arteries, be mindful of what you pour down your 55-year-old pipes. Establish a family culture around efficiency, like a rule for turning off lights. I also highly recommend budget billing—it divides your average annual cost into equal monthly payments so you don’t get hit with a massive spike during the summer or winter.
Who is the Energy Coach in your house?
I’m the efficiency czar. I tell my kids that if they want the house wrapped in Christmas lights, we have to save energy elsewhere all year to afford it. As a professor, I try to teach my children that lifestyle comes at a cost and isn’t free.
Any final thoughts for young homeowners?
A well-managed home doesn’t happen at once; it’s about intentional choices that align with your budget. Save a little from every paycheck so you aren’t forced to make a repair decision based solely on the lowest cost. I never buy the cheapest or the most expensive—the best product is usually somewhere in the middle.
Energy Efficiency Opportunity
Achieving a high-performance home doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Through Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®, you can conduct an “invisible renovation” that targets the bones of your house to enhance daily comfort and reduce energy expenses by as much as 20%. This comprehensive approach goes beyond aesthetics, focusing on critical systems like ductwork and insulation to ensure your sanctuary remains at the perfect temperature year-round while saving energy.
