By Stephanie Martin, March 16, 2026
Making your home more energy efficient doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Here are 10 affordable DIY projects that can save you money every month—and boost your home’s value!
1. Seal Drafty Windows and Doors
Use weatherstripping or caulk to stop drafts and potentially save **$10–$20/month** on heating and cooling.
2. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Set schedules to avoid heating/cooling when you don’t need it and save about **$15/month**.
3. Switch to LED Bulbs
LEDs use 80% less energy and can save around **$5–$10/month** on electricity.
4. Add Reflective Foil Behind Radiators
Bouncing heat back into rooms could save **$5–$10/month** on heating.
5. Use Door Draft Stoppers
Block cold air under doors and save around **$5/month**.
6. Insulate Your Water Heater
Wrap it to keep heat in and save around **$10–$15/month** on water heating.
7. Install Faucet Aerators
Reduce water flow and energy use, saving about **$5/month**.
8. Clean or Replace HVAC Filters Regularly
Improve efficiency and save around**$5–$10/month**.
9. Use Smart Power Strips
Cut phantom energy use and save around **$5/month**.
10. Add Window Film or Thermal Curtains
Keep heat in or out and you could save **$10–$20/month**.
Energy Efficiency and Home Resale Value
Energy-efficient homes attract buyers and can sell for **5–10% more**. These DIY upgrades not only cut bills but also boost your home’s market appeal.
Small, simple changes add up to big savings and a cozier, more valuable home. Ready to get started?
Stephanie Martin
Broker | OR
she/her
Originally from the Bay Area, Stephanie is a wife, mom of two, and daughter navigating the realities of aging parents. After moving more times than she can count, she became a professional problem-solver long before becoming a real estate broker.
As a transplant herself, Stephanie understands what it truly takes to uproot your life and start fresh in a new place. She and her husband have moved across the country—west to east, east back to west—and ultimately put down roots in Portland. They’ve relocated with kids, without kids, for work, for family, and in pursuit of a better quality of life. When they moved to Portland, they toured 30 homes in a single weekend, called school districts, mapped commutes, researched neighborhoods, and did everything possible to find the right place to land. Those experiences shaped Stephanie deeply, building resilience, resourcefulness, and a firsthand appreciation for the value of having a knowledgeable, supportive guide by your side.
Today, Stephanie brings that same clarity, empathy, and lived experience to her work as a Portland real estate broker, Certified Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA), Certified Staging Expert (CSE), and Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES). Caring for aging parents gives her a personal connection to her SRES training, allowing her to help older adults and their families navigate transitions with dignity, understanding, and confidence. Her PSA certification equips her to deliver data-driven pricing strategies and clear, thoughtful guidance at every stage. Stephanie believes a home is more than square footage—it’s where life is lived.
Before entering real estate, Stephanie built her career in people-centered roles, including hairstyling, pastry work, real estate administration, and transaction coordination. Each chapter strengthened her ability to listen deeply, anticipate needs, communicate clearly, and support people through meaningful life moments.
Whether clients are buying their first home, relocating to Portland, upsizing, downsizing, or preparing a longtime property for market, Stephanie approaches every goal with warmth, strategy, and a deeply service-driven mindset. She loves bringing people together—matching clients with the right home, neighborhood, resources, and even the perfect local coffee spot. As a Certified Staging Expert, she also helps sellers elevate their home’s presentation to maximize value and leave a lasting impression.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys hiking, yoga, exploring Portland’s food scene, thrifting, and adventuring with her family and their pit bull, Vince. Portland has given her a true sense of home, and she would be honored to help others find theirs.
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