Go Green. Save Green.
There’s never been a better time to improve your home’s energy efficiency. As the price of energy-efficient products and appliances falls, you can reduce your home’s carbon footprint and save big on your energy bills. And combined with simple improvements you can make at little to no cost, your home will soon be a role model to the rest of the homeowners in your neighborhood. Here are some tips on what to improve in your home.
Improved Insulation
Whether you’re replacing existing insulation or your exterior siding, higher R-value insulation can keep your home cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and saving money year-round.
Air Sealing
A simple do-it-yourself fix, air sealing is simply sealing cracks, holes, and gaps throughout your home. It stops drafts, prevents cool or warm air from escaping and, yep, lowers your energy bills.
Energy Efficient Windows
Old single pane windows are a big source of heating and cooling leakage in homes. Replace them with Low-E ENERGY STAR rated windows. You’ll get better insulation year-round and the Low-E glass will better protect you from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
ENERGY STAR-Rated HVAC Equipment
Newer HVAC systems run quieter, more efficiently and, when coupled with a smart thermostat, can be programed to keep your home comfortable all day long while reducing your carbon footprint.
Entry Doors
Older, wooden doors are prized for their beauty and aesthetics, but the fact is they can contribute to air leakage in your home. Newer entry doors, constructed from layers of steel and polyurethane foam, retain warm and cool air more effectively.
ENERGY STAR-Rated Appliances
More and more name-brand manufacturers offer energy efficient appliances. Swapping out your dated washer and dryer not only saves you money, but also conserves water and electricity.
ENERGY STAR Qualified Lighting
LED and other energy-efficient lightbulbs and fixtures can be huge improvements for the home. They last 10x longer than regular incandescent bulbs and use 2/3 less energy.