Energy-efficient home improvements can go a long way toward seasonal energy savings for homeowners. In turn, those upgrades can result in significant household budget savings.
Energy consumption changes with the seasons, and as temperatures rise or plummet, home energy use increases.
Electricity and energy use peak during the summertime as an uptick in air conditioning use becomes necessary to keep everyone safe and comfortable. Likewise, the freezing winters in recent years have also increased residential energy use.
Yearly, about 20% of greenhouse gases produced by energy use result from heating and cooling American households.
Seasonally, however, electricity and energy use vary, peaking in the summer and spiking in the mornings and evenings during the winter.
With warmer summers and colder winters in the forecast, making changes now can help you save money in the long run throughout the year. Use this list of energy-efficient home improvements so you can enjoy seasonal energy savings and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.
1) Use Energy Star Appliances Whenever (and Wherever) Possible
Switching your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to Energy Star certified equipment could reduce cooling costs by almost $140 yearly and cut household energy consumption by 35%.
Energy Star is a government-promoted program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy to provide energy-efficient information to consumers. Since its inception, Energy Star has helped Americans reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 4 billion metric tons.
Energy Star air conditioning units have a better seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and energy efficiency ratio (EER).
SEER measures the amount of heat extracted by an air conditioner to the energy used, while EER measures the cooling rate. These ratios lead to Energy Star air conditioners being 15% more efficient than other models.
Replacing your heat pump, furnace, or boiler can save up to 20% on heating costs. In addition, an Energy Star furnace is 15% more efficient than a standard furnace.
For maximum energy efficiency, change your air filters every three months at a minimum, though it’s best practice to change them monthly, especially during the height of the summer and winter months. That’s because when your air filters fill up with dirt and dust, the debris slows airflow, which can cause maintenance issues.
How Does Your HVAC System Affect Energy Efficiency?
Heating and air conditioning generate over half of home energy use. HVAC systems are what keeps most homes temperate, no matter what the thermostat says outside.
Air conditioning is the highest energy consumer in U.S. homes and is responsible for 16% of electricity use in the United States. Currently, 87% of American homes contain some type of air conditioning.
Space heating utilizes the second-highest amount of electricity, following air conditioning at 15% of total electricity consumption.
Total air conditioning use in the United States costs $29 billion annually. These high levels of use result in excess carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Nationwide, air conditioning use produces 117 million metric tons of CO2 each year.
Heating an individual home emits an average of between 4,700-6,400 pounds of CO2 annually. But it can reach levels as high as 9,900 pounds depending on location.
This rise in indoor climate control use is due to more extreme temperatures resulting from global warming and climate change.
2) Use Your Fans Wisely Throughout the Year
You can use fans year-round to control your home climate. Certain ceiling fans, such as Energy Star ceiling fans, have reversible motors that can change airflow direction depending on the season.
In the summertime, the blades can rotate to force air downward and create a cooling wind-chill. A room can feel up to 10 degrees cooler simply by turning on a ceiling fan. Depending on the climate, a fan can even allow you to raise your air conditioning setting by four degrees or turn it off altogether. During the winter months, the fan can spin in the opposite direction and move warm air near the top of the ceiling down.
Energy star ceiling fans are also 60% more efficient than average model ceiling fans. You can also use window fans to help cool down a room or entire house. Most are functional when placed on the windward side in the upper levels of a home or used throughout each floor.
To generate maximum airflow, open the windows in the room that are farthest from the fan and close the ones nearest to them. Your landscaping can help here, too. Open the windows that can pull shaded fresh air from outside the house.
When practical, using multiple fans in tandem can significantly cool your home without having to turn on your AC unit.
3) Seal Cracks Around Your Windows (or Buy New Efficient Models)
Energy-efficient window attachments can help maintain climate control and reduce energy loss by keeping the heat in or out, depending on the season.
Almost 30% of heat energy escapes through windows. Sealing up cracks that surround your windows and installing the most functional window coverings for you can prevent energy loss.
According to the Department of Energy, 75% of residential window coverings stay in the same position daily. This means that most people do not move their blinds, curtains, or shades daily. You could change your habits to help reduce or retain heat throughout your home. For example, keep your window coverings open in the winter to let the sunlight warm your house.
During warmer times of the year, keep your window coverings closed, especially during the times of day the sun hits your home most intently or directly. There are a variety of window coverings options, and each offers energy-saving benefits.
Knowing the different types of windows and installing high-performance double-paned windows, storm windows, or skylights in place of single-paned glass will also reduce energy usage.
Similarly, Low-E storm windows prevent air from traveling in or out of windows. By filtering out heat but allowing light to pass through, Low-E windows provide light while at the same time helping your house to stay cool.
Using energy-efficient windows and/or sealing any cracks around your windows will allow you to use your air conditioning less in the summer and keep warm hair from escaping in the winter. You’ll feel comfortable year-round and keep energy costs down.
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4) Insulate Your Home to Be More Energy Efficient
Fans and windows will function more effectively when cracks and air leaks throughout the home are sealed. A third of home heat can be lost when air escapes through windows, doors, cracks, spaces, and improperly sealed gaps. Fortunately, cracks and air leaks can be easily fixed by using caulk, weatherstripping, or window insulation kits.
Caulking is suitable for filling air leaks that are no bigger than a quarter-inch and reside within structural building materials, such as a wall, and can save up to 20% on your cooling costs and heating bills. Weatherstripping works better when tackling operable structures like doors and windows.
Making sure your air ducts are sealed and insulated will further prevent energy waste. Vents move air from heaters, heat pumps, and air conditioners and circulate it throughout a home.
If a duct has leaks, air can seep out, and your home can lose energy. Insulating ducts can generate 20% higher heating and cooling efficiency.
Insulating your water pipes can prevent condensation. Condensation forms on pipes when hot water and cold pipes mix, creating warm moisture in the air. When the air is filled with moisture, it can feel warmer than the actual temperature. Insulating pipes will prevent heat loss and condensation and keep energy and water waste at bay.
Finally, make sure that you properly insulate your ceiling, walls, attic (often under-insulated in older homes), and other areas of the house that may need it.
There are many types of insulation, including foam insulation and fiberglass insulation, among others, so do a little research and have a professional help you out if you have questions.
5) Get a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable and smart thermostats elevate control of your home’s climate and regulate energy use. Programmable thermostats offer settings that can monitor temperature change by the time of day and time of year. You can change the settings to adjust the temperature when the home is occupied, unoccupied, or at night when you’re sleeping. Do this and you can save up to $180 a year.
Going beyond a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat lets you control your home’s climate and temperature from your smart devices such as a phone or computer. These thermostats are connected to Wi-Fi and make accessing climate control easily accessible via an app.
Using an Energy Star smart thermostat can save up to $100 annually and ensure ultimate regulation. Some smart thermostats cost $100 while others can cost upwards of $500. Yes, there’s an initial investment, but the benefits of a smart thermostat are worth it.
6) Save Energy By Changing Your Light Bulbs
Want to know one of the easiest and fastest energy-efficient home improvements you can make with little money and time? Simply change your light bulbs. Replacing just five of your most-used light bulbs with Energy Star certified light bulbs can save you up to $75 annually.
Traditional incandescent light bulbs require high energy levels to function, and 90% of their energy is dispersed as heat. This means that incandescent light bulbs are less energy-efficient and can make your home feel warmer. Higher temperatures demand more energy to cool a space during summer months, which leads to higher summer electricity bills.
Energy-efficient lighting options include halogen incandescent bulbs, light-emitting diodes, and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). The lifespan of these energy-efficient light bulbs can be preserved by up to 25 times the standard light bulb length and require between 25-80% less energy to function.
Though they can be more expensive upfront, energy-efficient bulls result in less energy use and longer lifespans, ultimately saving you money. Learn more with this helpful guide on types of light bulbs if you still have questions.
7) Consider Solar Panels
As energy-efficient home improvements become more common, energy-efficient alternatives are becoming more available and more affordable. One such cost-effective option is solar panels, and prices are decreasing each year.
Solar energy converts the power of the sun into energy. The most common form of solar energy technology for residential households is photovoltaics, more commonly called solar panels. Solar panels absorb natural light and transfer it to an electric field where it is harbored as electricity. These panels are most functional when installed on roofs that face south.
Installing solar panels is one of the best energy efficient home improvements because solar power is a type of renewable energy. Unlike fossil fuels, which pollute the environment and are limited and will eventually run out, renewable energy sources use naturally occurring power resources to generate an unlimited supply of energy that doesn’t damage the planet.
Community solar panels may be available for residents who rent or have homes in areas that don’t easily access the sun. Typical community solar panels allow residents to buy a share of the panel. The energy produced by the panel or panels is then dispersed between shareholders based upon buy-ins.
Tax credits and other incentives such as rebates are also available to those looking to install solar panels in their home. In addition, the Department of Energy directs citizens to DSIRE, a website that provides financial information and installation assistance based upon your ZIP code.
Energy-Efficient Home Improvements Can Save Energy, the Planet, and Money
Making home improvements to save energy will help you do your part to reduce global warming and lower your utility bills at the same time.
By updating your HVAC system, fixing air leaks, and making simple adjustments like changing light bulbs and using window coverings at optimal times, you can make a big difference for both your wallet and the world.
Likewise, you can choose renewable energy solutions like solar panels for your home, or simply switch energy providers to one that offers green energy programs.
Energy efficiency has never been more important than it is now. Do your part for your own benefit and for that of the planet.
Brought to you by energysavings.com
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