Energy Efficient Home

Having an energy efficient home is becoming more and more important these day and it's no wonder.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, consumers spend 6% to 12% of their income on utilities. As a result, many homeowners are starting to see this as a major expense.

In an average home, utility usage breaks down like this: 40% - Heating and Cooling, 34% - Appliances, 10% - Miscellaneous, 9% - Lighting, and 7% - Home Entertainment and Communications.

With sky rocketing utility cost, diminishing resources and concerns for our environment, a lot of attention has been drawn to the energy efficient home in recent years.

Use Less Save More

Homeowners everywhere are struggling to spend less, use less and pollute less without giving up the creature comforts they've grown accustomed to. And there are a number of ways to achieve this goal if you follow our home energy savings advice and make some modifications to your home.

One of the great things about becoming more conservative, is that you're not only contributing to saving the environment but you're cutting your costs at the same time! That’s a win-win situation. It’s no wonder home improvement projects take into account the benefits of an energy efficient home.

Home improvement projects come in all shapes and sizes. Many people put off doing home improvements because they may not realize the potential payback, or they may simply want to avoid the expense.

But if you start to grimace at the amount of your utility bills, especially electricity prices, it’s time to give serious consideration to an improvement project.

Especially ones that can increase you home energy savings with a reasonable payback period. If you are considering a home energy conservation project, the payback is something that you need to look at closely before you move forward.

The payback is essentially the cost of the project divided by the saving per year which yields the amount of time that it will take take to payoff the improvement. After you cross that point your real savings begin. This calculation helps in making an informed decision.

Payback

Once your projects are complete, you’ll start to see savings accrue naturally over time. And the more utility prices increase, the faster your payback will be. Your demand is cut and before you know it, a few years have gone by and your payback has really added up!

So if you are considering a home energy savings project, you first need to look at the size of project you are considering and determine if the project is justified for your home.

For example, energy saving window coverings can make a dramatic difference in your heating and cooling costs. But with any improvement project you need to look at all of the variables involved before proceeding. Maybe in this case you have fairly energy efficient windows and the added window treatments would not make any sense. If that were the case you would pass on the project.

Those with a $100 budget will have different priorities than those with a $10,000. budget.

And those who live in a southern climate will have different priorities than those that live in a northern climate. But no matter where you live, having an energy efficient home can be accomplished.

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Home Energy Conservation - Highlights

Electronic Vampires. They are probably in your home right now.

Programmable Thermostat. They are the best device to make you comfortable and save money on utilities.

High Efficiency Furnace. These units can set you back at first but pay large dividends in energy savings.

Saving Water. Did you know that a leaking faucet can waste thousands of gallons of water per year?

Low Flow Shower Head. They make some very nice units now with substantial aerated flow.

Tankless Water Heater. An impressive device about the size of a suitcase that generates hot water on demand.

Central Air Conditioning. There are many different levels from standard efficiency to high efficiency.

Saving Electricity. If you do not currently have a high efficient washing machine, consider looking at energy efficient washers.

Insulation. One of the single most important additions that you can make for an energy efficient home.

Energy Efficient Windows. Choose from replacement windows or storm windows.

Energy Star. Select from among Energy Star or other similarly rated appliances and save energy.

Home Energy Savings. Scan through a list of home energy conservation items

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