Long-Term Investments for Energy Savings
Long-term investments in energy efficient products and upgrades can help you save more money and energy in the years to come. Consider the suggestions below when you need to purchase new products or just want to make your home more energy efficient.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
- Install a programmable thermostat that can be adjusted to temperatures according to your schedule.
- Find out more about programmable thermostats and whether they will work for your heating system.
- Find an ENERGY STAR® programmable thermostat.
- Find out how to operate your thermostat for maximum energy savings.
- Also see ENERGY STAR's June 5, 2008, podcast for video instructions on operating your programmable thermostat.
Add Insulation
- Add insulation to your home.
- See where you need insulation in your home.
- Use the Zip Code Insulation Tool to determine the most cost-effective level of insulation for your home.
- Compare the various types of insulation.
- Figure out the payback period for new insulation.
- Insulate heating ducts in unheated areas, such as attics and crawlspaces. Keeping ducts in good repair can prevent heat loss of up to 60% at the registers.
- Find the recommended R-values for duct insulation.
- Insulate your water heater tank and your water pipes to prevent heat loss.
- Learn how to install an insulation blanket on an electric water heater.
Upgrade Your Heating System
- Install a new energy-efficient heating system to save money over the long term. Look for the ENERGY STAR® and EnergyGuide labels.
- Find out when it is time to replace your system.
- Learn what to consider when selecting a new system, and compare the costs of heating fuels.
- Find ENERGY STAR boilers, furnaces, air-source heat pumps, and geothermal heat pumps.
- Find out where to buy ENERGY STAR products.
Improve Your Doors and Windows
- Install exterior or interior storm windows. Storm windows can reduce heat loss through the windows by 25% to 50%. Low-e storm windows save even more energy.
- Find out more about the types of storm windows available.
- Consider installing new, energy efficient windows. The typical home loses more than 25% of its heat through windows.
- Find out what to consider when selecting new windows.
- Find ENERGY STAR-qualified windows.
- Find out where to buy ENERGY STAR products.
Purchase Energy-Efficient Appliances
- Purchase energy-efficient appliances to reduce your electric bills.
- Estimate how much energy your appliances use.
- Find ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances.
- Find out where to buy ENERGY STAR products.
Landscape for Energy Efficiency
- Implement energy-saving landscape strategies based on the region in which you live.
Consider Renewable Technologies
- Consider purchasing solar technologies to provide for some of your energy needs.
- Learn more about solar heating, electric, or water heating systems.
- Estimate the price, savings, and system size you would need to install solar.
- Consider installing a geothermal heat pump to heat and cool your home (and possibly even supply hot water).
- Learn more about geothermal heat pumps.
