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7 Tips for an Energy Efficient Home

Take the “Wholistic” Approach

When winter rolls around, our attention inevitably turns to how we can keep our homes warm without breaking the bank.

We assume that one small energy efficient improvement at a time will be enough and save money. Not so. Instead, I suggest a “wholistic” approach: make improvements at the same time so the upgrades work together and provide optimal energy efficiency!

This “wholistic” approach increases your home’s performance and comfort while maximizing energy savings.

Here are some factors that could be ruining your home’s energy efficiency…

1. Little or no insulation
2. Air leakage
3. Single-pane windows
4. Inefficient hot water systems
5. Outdated lighting
6. Inefficient appliances
7. Inefficient heating and cooling equipment

And here are my seven tips to expeditiously energize your home efficiently…

1. Insulation: Install adequate insulation in the attic, floor and walls to reduce heating and cooling costs.

1. Windows: Replace single-pane windows with Energy Star qualified double-pane low emissivity/low-E windows (emissivity measures how much a glass surface transfers radiant heat).

1. Openings: Seal window and door leaks. All those drafts waste the heating elements working in your home.

1. Water System: Replace inefficient hot water systems with high efficiency storage water heaters that use better insulation and more efficient burners OR tankless water heaters that provide hot water on demand.

1. Lights: Install Energy Star light fixtures that use 1/2 to 2/3 less energy than standard fixtures.
2. Appliances: Install Energy Star refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers. And don’t forget toilets and showerheads!

1. HVAC: Install high efficiency heating, ventilating and air condition (HVAC) equipment.

It also helps to take advantage of any rebate or incentive programs offered for taking a ‘wholistic’ approach to energy efficiency. Those rebates and incentives can relieve some of the cost of improvements. Saving money on the front end coupled with the energy savings you’ll experience? Worth it!

For more home improvement and remodel tips, check out the rest of my blog here!