Improve the energy efficiency of your home
Is your home energy efficient? Time to find out.
It is important to know where your house is leaking air and what you can do about it. These easy, at-home energy saving ideas will improve your home's energy-efficiency. In some cases a good way to achieve better efficiency is to purchase new, high-efficiency appliances, equipment and material. In other ways it might only be necessary to seal the leaky areas around your home. This too will require some effort and some money but in the long run you will increase your comfort and save money and energy.
What is energy efficiency?
According to Wikipedia & Diesendorf, Mark "energy efficiency, is using less energy to provide the same level of energy service. An example would beinsulating a home to use less heating and cooling energy to achieve the same temperature. Another example would be installing florescent lights and/or skylightsinstead of incandescent lights to attain the same level of illumination. Efficient energy use is achieved primarily by means of a more efficient technology or process rather than by changes in individual behaviour."
Do a whole house energy audit - Know what is really happening in your home.
Federal tax credits for energy efficiency - You can write off as much as 30% of the cost of insulation, energy-efficient air conditioners and furnaces, as well as some metal roofs, stoves and circulating fans. But the total credit available is $1,500 (lifetime limit).
Weatherizing - Spaces and gaps in the average house allows unwanted air flow that causes heating and cooling systems to work harder and costs you money. These gaps can be be equivalent to having a 3' x 3' window open ALL the time.
Energy Star® - Identifies products that are more energy-efficient than other models in their category.
Appliances - Look for the Energy Star® label which indicates that certain, qualified models are even more efficient than the minimum levels established by the federal government.
Lighting - Use energy saving compact fluorescent light bulbs, sealed fixtures and climate controls to cut energy use and save money on your energy bill.
Heat and cooling - Heating and cooling systems can account for more than half of your energy bills so chosing the right solutions makes sense.
Hot water heaters - Heating water for household use accounts for 15% of you total energy bill.
Windows and doors - These areas might be responsible for 20%-30% of heat loss in your house.
Informed Energy Decisions
Comprehensive energy solutions for buildings
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