The spring and summer seasons are great times to make improvements to your home. ENERGY STAR, a government initiative to provide information on energy-efficient products, offers five high-impact home improvements to help you save energy and money. What’s good for your wallet is also good for the planet.
Clean heating and cooling
If your HVAC equipment is more than 10 years old or needs frequent repairs, and your energy bills are going up, it may be time for a replacement. Oversized units tend to have shorter lives due to “short-cycle,” or turning on and off rapidly, which inflicts excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Consider switching to an ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump to save energy and money year-round.
Well-insulated and sealed attic
Sealing air leaks and adding insulation to your attic can help you be more comfortable at home while saving up to 15% on your annual energy bills. Make sure your attic has the recommended insulation levels. When looking across your uncovered attic floor, if the insulation is at or below the level of the floor joists, you probably need to add more insulation.
Super-efficient water heater
Your water heater is the second-highest energy user in your home, using about 20% of a home’s energy. If you switch to an ENERGY STAR-certified high-efficiency water heater with heat pump technology, you could save about $550 yearly for a household of four.
High-performing windows or storm windows
ENERGY STAR-certified windows save you energy and money while improving home comfort. Replacing old, drafty windows with more efficient windows lowers household energy bills by an average of 12%. Low-emissivity, or Low-E glass coatings on many ENERGY STAR-certified windows also reduce UV sun damage to floors, carpets, and furniture.
Smart thermostat
For the average American household, almost half the annual energy bill goes to heating and cooling — more than $900 a year. Being smart about how you control your temperature settings will help you save money and stay comfortable in your home. Make sure to research which thermostat is right for you, available incentives, and buying and installation guidance.
