10 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Summary

John from Southeastern General Contractors shares 10 tips for increasing home energy efficiency, focusing on heating and cooling, installing tankless water heaters, using energy-efficient lighting like LEDs and CFLs, proper insulation, low-flow fixtures, Energy Star appliances, natural lighting, window and door insulation, energy-efficient landscaping, and professional energy audits to save money and reduce utility bills.

Takeaways

• 🌡️ Install ceiling fans and programmable thermostats to reduce heating and cooling energy consumption.
• 💧 Switch to tankless water heaters for on-demand hot water and lower energy costs.
• 💡 Replace incandescent lights with energy-efficient alternatives like LEDs and CFLs to cut lighting energy use.
• 🏠 Properly insulate your home to enhance comfort, indoor air quality, and reduce utility bills.
• 🚿 Invest in efficient showerheads and toilets to conserve water and lower water usage significantly.
• ⭐️ Choose Energy Star-rated appliances and electronics to reduce household energy bills by 20%.
• 🌞 Utilize daylighting strategies like skylights and light tubes to illuminate interiors with natural light.
• 🪟 Weatherize windows and doors with caulk, weatherstripping, and door sweeps to minimize heat loss.
• 🌳 Implement energy-efficient landscaping to reduce heating, cooling, and lighting costs, and improve air quality.
• 🔍 Engage a professional energy auditor to identify energy loss areas and recommend improvements for energy savings.

Q & A

What is the significance of energy efficiency in a home?

Energy efficiency in a home means using less energy for the same tasks, reducing energy waste, and saving money. It's not just about using less energy but also being aware of how energy is used, where it's wasted, and how it can be used more effectively.

How can installing a ceiling fan help with energy efficiency?

Installing a ceiling fan can reduce the need for air conditioning, which consumes a large amount of energy. It can be used as an alternative to air conditioners, helping to save energy and reduce costs.

What is the benefit of using a programmable thermostat?

A programmable thermostat can save money by allowing heating and cooling appliances to automatically turn down during times when no one is home or at night, potentially saving up to $150 a year in energy costs in some climate zones.

Why are tankless water heaters more energy efficient than traditional ones?

Tankless water heaters provide hot water only as it is needed, eliminating standby energy losses associated with traditional storage water heaters. They heat water directly without using a storage tank, leading to energy savings.

How can replacing incandescent lights with LEDs or CFLs impact energy usage?

Using new lighting technologies like LEDs and CFLs can reduce the energy required for lighting by 50 to 75 percent compared to traditional incandescent lights, which only convert about 10% of consumed energy into light.

What role does proper insulation play in a home's energy efficiency?

Properly insulating a home is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve comfort and energy efficiency. It reduces drafts, lowers utility bills, and prevents heat loss, especially in the attic where a significant amount of heat can escape.

Why are low-flow showerheads and toilets recommended for energy efficiency?

Low-flow showerheads and toilets reduce water usage significantly. Replacing an older 3.5-gallon toilet with a modern 1.6-gallon model can save up to 12,000 gallons of water per year, contributing to energy and water efficiency.

What is the impact of using Energy Star appliances on household energy bills?

Energy Star appliances, approved by the US Department of Energy, can reduce household energy bills by about 20%. If just 10% of homes use these appliances, it would reduce carbon emissions equivalent to the absorption of 1.7 million acres of trees.

How can daylighting contribute to energy savings in a home?

Daylighting, the practice of using natural light to illuminate a home's interior, can reduce overall energy costs by 25 percent. It's commonly achieved through installing skylights or light tubes that channel sunlight into the living space.

What are the benefits of insulating windows and doors for energy efficiency?

Insulating windows and doors can prevent about one-third of a home's total heat loss. Weatherstripping, using caulk, and installing storm windows can create a tight seal, reducing energy waste and improving energy efficiency.

How can landscaping contribute to a home's energy efficiency?

An energy-efficient landscape can reduce heating, cooling, and lighting costs by up to 25%. Strategically placed trees and shrubs can provide shade, reduce heat gain, and lower maintenance and water use, leading to overall energy savings.

What does an energy auditor do to help improve a home's energy efficiency?

An energy auditor assesses where a home is losing the most energy and proposes improvements to reduce energy waste and utility bills. Professional energy audits can take from 30 minutes to four hours, depending on the home's size.