Home Energy Efficiency and Conservation

We need homes that are comfortable and efficient, but it is common knowledge that our homes waste a lot of energy. By making your home energy efficient, you can benefit in three ways:

1. Save energy
2. Save money
   
3. Live comfortably
   

• Add or improve insulation in walls, floors and attics.
• Make sure that the ducts carrying air through your cooling and heating systems are as tight as possible.
• Heating and Air Conditioning should be adequate for the size of the home and running at maximum efficiency.
• Chose windows that are low E, double pane, or have awnings installed.
• Ventilate your attic to reduce the heat buildup in your home.
• Seal cracks in walls, doors and windows.
• Choose a solar hot water heater.
• Use Photovoltaic (PV) to generate electricity during solar hours.
• Wind generation, if you have 15 mph winds, can also be an option.
• Change light bulbs to Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs).

How We Use Energy in Our Homes. Source: ENERGY STAR

Try the Zip Code Insulation Tool from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. It provides the most economic insulation level for new or existing houses.

Conservation measures by those living in the home can go a long way towards reducing costs

• Turn computers off at night.
• Turn off CFLs (the lights) when rooms are not occupied.
• Do laundry in the evening or early morning.
• Set thermostat to 78 degrees F and set timers for occupancy in the home.
• Use fans instead of HVAC (your heating and air-conditioning system).
• Reduce hot water use when possible.

 We all need to do our part to become energy independent and preserve our planet for future generations.