5 Practical Ways to Be More Energy Efficient

Remodeling with energy efficiency in mind provides an opportunity to increase home performance and comfort.  Here are five low-hanging energy efficiency opportunities:

1. Little or no insulation
2. Single-pane windows
3. Inefficient hot water systems
4. Outdated lighting
5. Inefficient appliances

To reap the benefits of saving energy AND money:

1. Install adequate insulation in the attic, floor and walls to reduce heating and cooling costs
2. Replace single-pane windows with Energy Star qualified double-pane low emissivity/low-E windows (emissivity measures how much a glass surface transfers radiant heat)
3. Replace inefficient hot water systems with high efficiency storage water heaters that use better insulation and more efficient burners OR tankless water heaters that provided hot water on demand
4. Install Energy Star light fixtures that use 1/2 to 2/3 less energy than standard fixtures
5. Install Energy Star refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers

And…don’t forget to take advantage of any rebates/programs offered for making your home more energy efficient.