Energy efficiency is a cost-effective way to cut your utility bills and reduce carbon pollution. It can also improve energy security and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and critical minerals.
It can also encourage more physical activity and help people stay healthy, especially in marginalized communities and those with conditions exacerbated by pollution.
Energy Star Appliances
Energy Star is a program and logo backed by the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy that sets strict specifications for appliances and building elements, like dishwashers, washers, dryers, refrigerators, computers, televisions and monitors, heating, ventilation, air conditioning units, dehumidifiers and air cleaners, lighting and insulation. Before an appliance or building material can bear the blue ENERGY STAR label, it must undergo evaluations and testing. It must then be found to perform better than a comparable non-ENERGY STAR model and to save energy costs, as determined by the EPA.
ENERGY STAR appliances use less energy to function than their non-ENERGY STAR counterparts, which can lead to lower utility bills and reduced electricity consumption. In addition, they reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on dwindling oil supplies. They also often come with tax incentives or rebates, making them more affordable for homeowners to purchase.
Energy efficient appliances can cost more up front, but they pay for themselves with quantifiable savings in energy costs over time. The amount of money saved depends on the appliance’s usage and your utility company’s price-per-kilowatt policy. If you live in a state with a renewable energy initiative, your ENERGY STAR appliance may even be tax deductible. You can check the ENERGY STAR website to see which appliances qualify for tax credits in your area.
Replace Your Thermostat
The thermostat is a key tool for heating and cooling, but it also plays an important role in home energy efficiency. If yours is outdated, consider replacing it to reduce your energy costs.
A new programmable thermostat will help you control your energy consumption year-round by setting temperatures at optimal energy savings levels for the day and night. The newest models can be linked to your smart phone, so you can change temperature settings from anywhere – and get maintenance updates on your HVAC system, too.
Some signs that it’s time to replace your thermostat include a higher-than-normal utility bill, especially during the winter months when your HVAC is running more frequently; a sudden increase in energy usage; or unexplained changes in the temperature of your home. A faulty thermostat can also misread the actual temperature, so it might say it’s 68 degrees when it really is 75 or more – and your heater or air conditioner may run unnecessarily.
Before you remove your old thermostat, make a diagram of the wire connections on your home’s walls to guide you when installing the new one. It’s best to have a trusted friend on hand to help you with this step, because poking around behind your home’s wall can be dangerous. After removing the old faceplate, disconnect the wires that connect to it and string them through the opening in the replacement base plate. Be sure to tape the wires to ensure they don’t fall back into the wall. Reconnect the wires to the new thermostat based on the instructions in your manual.
Seal Air Leaks
Many homes waste energy by leaking conditioned air through cracks and gaps in the home’s envelope. This uncontrolled flow of air wastes energy, creates drafts and cold spots in the house and invites moisture, pests, pollutants and allergens directly into living spaces. This is called air leakage and can be addressed by sealing the cracks and gaps in the house with a variety of materials including caulk, weather stripping and foam insulation.
A professional energy assessor or experienced contractor can help identify the locations of air leaks and seal them accordingly to improve the comfort, health and durability of the house. The most common leakage areas are doors and windows, attic hatches and pull-down stairs, attic vents, fireplace chimneys, laundry chutes, ductwork, whole-house fans, electrical receptacle and switch plates on walls, plumbing and duct penetrations through ceilings and floors, and attic soffits over cabinets.
When addressing these leaks, it’s important to prioritize them from a cost/time standpoint. Large gaping holes, leaky basements and attics should be the top of the list. For doors and windows, there are quick fixes like shrink film available for older single-pane aluminum or wood windows that can significantly reduce leaks, but the best solution is to replace them with efficient dual pane windows. It’s also a good idea to check and caulk around showers, tubs, toilets, baseboards, electrical boxes and outlets and light switches.
Insulate Your Home
Insulation is a cost-effective way to reduce your energy usage. It prevents heat from escaping during cold seasons and hot air from entering during warm seasons. This leads to decreased energy consumption and significantly reduced energy bills.
Inefficient insulation and air leaks are the biggest contributors to energy waste in homes and businesses. The best way to improve your home’s energy efficiency is to upgrade its insulation and seal air leaks. This will save you a significant amount of money and help prolong the life of your heating and cooling system.
Newer homes tend to be more insulated than older homes because of improved building energy codes. However, even in newly constructed homes, the majority of homeowners have inadequate insulation. Insulating your home can greatly cut down your energy costs and increase comfort.
Homeowners who add insulation to their homes often see lower heating and cooling costs than they expected. Insulation is a relatively inexpensive green home improvement that typically pays for itself in energy savings within a year.
Aside from its energy efficiency benefits, insulation can also act as a sound barrier to minimize noise pollution in your home. This can be a huge benefit if you live in an urban area or if your home is located near a busy road. Insulation also helps to protect your home from moisture infiltration, reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth.