Easy Ways to Be Energy Efficient

Energy Efficient Home Improvements 

Finding ways to cut down on energy can save you money and add value to your house. The federal government’s guidelines for energy efficiency are regulated by the Energy Star Program. This program offers rewards for qualifying home buyers and gives more buying power to homeowners who adopt energy efficient solutions. There are many ways to lower your utility bills and increase your equity. In the spirit of The Housing Hour's series on Energy Efficiency in Homes, this article will focus on some simple energy solutions that can save you money.

Home Energy Rating System 

A home’s energy rating is based on the Home Energy Rating System Index, which is the national standard for analyzing the energy efficiency of a home. 

Besides loans and government grants, there are many cost-effective ways to lower your energy consumption and get a better home energy rating. Following are few simple ways to reduce your energy consumption. These easy improvements can make your home more efficient and even inspire you towards more ambitious energy saving projects.

The Housing Hour's very own energy expert Scott Higgins can also come out and audit your home and help you determine what your rating is and how to improve it. Here is our show on energy efficiency in the home and my personal testimony on Scott's service and what I learned from it.

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs 

Fluorescent light bulbs will last up to ten times longer than regular light bulbs. According to Energy Star, you can save an average of six dollars a year on your energy bill. It may not seem like much, but as things like that begin to add up, you can make a significant dent in your energy expenses.

Low Flow Fixtures

With low-flow fixtures for your shower or water pipes, you can save more than just a few bucks each year. Using low-flow fixtures can decrease the amount of water you consume by half. This means you can save over $100 a year. Consider getting low-flow shower-heads or faucets for a quick, inexpensive fix.

Home Insulation 

Proper insulation keeps your house warm during cold seasons and cool during warmer seasons. Insulation can reduce heating costs to by twenty percent. Insulation is cheap and can also be used to prevent water pipes from freezing.

Weather Stripping

Energy Star states that homes without weather stripping lose at least one third of all cooling and heating from air leakage. Weather stripping can cost less than a happy meal and can save you big time. It may surprise you how much sealing those small drafts can make a big difference in heating and cooling.

Programmable Thermostat

According to Energy Star, programmable thermostats are more accurate than standard thermostats, and can save homeowners up to $150 annually.

Tankless Water Heater

If you purchase a tankless water heater, you can receive a federal rebate. Tankless water heaters last much longer than regular water heaters and can save home owners 30 percent on their water bill.

To learn more about energy efficiency in your home, feel free to stream or download the following episode of The Housing Hour, where we discuss our Energy Efficiency in Homes series.