Energy Efficency Starts At Home

If you are a homeowner, you have likely already taken some step to conserve energy in your home. Turning the thermostat down a few degrees in the winter and up a few in the summer, turning off lights and electronic devices when not in use and washing clothes in cold water are all example on how to reduce your use of energy at home. But energy conservation and energy efficiency are two different but complementary concepts. Now that you have taken measures to reduce how much energy you use, here are some tips on how to get the most out of the energy you do use.

The outside of your home is commonly referred to as the “shell” or the “envelope.” Properly sealing the shell or envelope is a critical step in reducing the amount of energy you lose through cracks and holes. You can identify the areas that need sealing simply by feeling around doors and windows for drafts. Caulking around cracks and filling in larger holes with spray foam will help keep the energy-heated and energy-cooled air in while keeping the outdoor air out. Installing energy-efficient windows and doors will also help you save on energy costs.

Proper insulation is necessary for maximum energy efficiency at home. A thick layer of insulation in the attic, walls, floors and crawl spaces will slow the rate of air escaping from your home and make your indoor environment feel more comfortable while using less energy. The type of insulation you choose is less important than proper installation. Use a reputable contractor for trickier installations and you will reap the maximum benefits.

Good landscaping around your home can save energy. Shade trees, particular deciduous trees, planted on the south and west sides of your house will prevent hot summer sun from heating up your house and in the winter when the foliage drops valuable sunlight can shine in. Effective landscaping is particularly helpful in improving energy efficiency in older homes that are not very well insulated and ones that do not have energy efficient windows.

Upgrading your home’s most energy-draining systems and appliances to energy-efficient models may well be worth the upfront investment. Replacing your old furnace, one build before 1992, with an energy efficient system will significantly reduce your energy demand. Heating systems account for the largest portion of most household’s annual energy consumption. An energy efficient water heater will likewise impact the amount of energy you use. Conserving water and turning the temperature down to 120 degrees are also small but noticeable measures you can take to cut energy costs.

Turning off the lights when you leave a room is a common-sense way to conserve energy but replacing incandescent bulbs with high-efficiency compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) is a step towards energy efficiency at home. CFL’s require far less energy to produce equal amount of light and last longer than traditional bulbs. Using task lighting instead of illuminating an entire room is another way to reduce your energy consumption.