Earth Day, 5 simple tips to Improve your Home’s Energy Efficiency
April 22nd, 2008 categories: Green Trends
1. Buy Energy-Efficient Appliances and Electronics
Appliances and electronics account for about 20% of a U.S. home’s energy consumption. Look for the EnergyGuide and ENERGY STAR® labels when shopping for home appliances and electronics and replace old light bulbs with energy-efficient CFL’s. And, turn appliances, electronics and lights off, when not in use.
2. Upgrade inefficient heating and cooling systems
Heating and Cooling systems account for about 56% of the energy consumed in the U.S. If replacing an old HVAC system, it is important to size it correctly and have it installed by a reputable contractor. Newer systems are required to meet certain energy efficiency ratings that far exceed even those only a few years old. They are not cheap. But, the savings over the long-run will be substantial.
If a new system is not practical or in the budget, consider updating old thermostats and check for and repair any leaks found in the heating and cooling ducts.
3. Replace that old inefficient Water Heater
Water heating can account for 14 to 25% of your homes energy consumption. Consider the following options:
1. Demand (tankless), heats water directly and without the use of a storage tank,
2. Solar, use the heat of the sun to provide hot water,
3. Tankless coil and indirect water heater, uses the home’s space heating system to heat water.
4. Windows and Doors
Energy efficient windows and doors can substantially reduce your home’s heating and cooling costs. Replace old single-pane windows with new dual-pane windows and weather strip all exterior doors to help insulate your home more efficiently.
5. Landscaping and Design
Shading. Use trees and shrubs to aid in cooling your home if needed.
Conserve Water. Choose plants that will flourish in your climate. Think native. Reduce the use of bluegrass turf that requires a great deal of watering. And, mulch. Mulching will help keep plant roots cool, reduce evaporation and soil crusting and will go a long way in preventing those pesky weeds.
And, as a bonus, we should all be recycling, walking or riding a bicycle as much as possible and doing all of the simple things that are good for all of us and our planet. Happy Earth Day!
