Home Improvement

Many homeowners don't realize that when they improve or remodel their home, they can save money on energy bills, improve comfort and help protect the environment. Each year, as homeowners spend more than a hundred billion dollars on home improvement and home repair projects, many miss the opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and reap the rewards. EPA wants to change this and has developed an interactive web-site that provides practical advice and tools for homeowners undergoing home improvement projects.

Key features include:

  • Home Energy Yardstick - Allows homeowners to find out how their energy use at home compares to that of other U.S. households. If a home receives a score of five or less, it may be time to consider making some improvements.
  • Home Energy Advisor - Helps homeowners determine the most effective improvements for their home. Providing the answers to 15 questions results in a customized report of potential home improvements, ordered by effectiveness.
  • Solutions to Common Home Problems - Problems like uncomfortably hot, cold or drafty rooms, high energy bills and the growth of mold and mildew are often the result of energy inefficiencies. This tool offers solutions that will not only help fix the problem, but also help save energy, save money and increase comfort.
  • Remodeling Guide - From a kitchen overhaul to a bathroom quick-fix, ENERGY STAR offers energy-saving solutions for many popular remodeling or renovation projects. Upon selecting the projects of interest, consumers are shown where to include energy-efficient features and products in home improvement plans.