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.
- Place thermostats away from direct sunlight, drafts, doorways, skylights, and windows.
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 unconditioned 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, especially if you have an older water heater. Many new water heaters are well-insulated and do not require an insulation blanket; check the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Learn how to install an insulation blanket on an electric water heater.
Landscape for Energy Efficiency
- Plant trees or shrubs so they shade air conditioning units and do not to block the airflow. A unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10% less electricity than the same one operating in the sun.
- Learn more about shading strategies to reduce energy use.
- Plant trees of the appropriate size, density, and shape to provide shade and windbreaks as needed for energy savings in your climate.
- Learn more about shading strategies to reduce energy use.
- Learn more about using windbreaks to save energy.
- Learn about landscaping strategies for your climate.
- Plant trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants to shade the ground and pavement around the home. This reduces heat radiation and cools the air before it reaches your home's walls and windows.
- Consider xeriscaping techniques to conserve water.
- Learn more about xeriscaping.
Purchase an Efficient Cooling System
- Consider all of your options for efficient cooling systems.
- Find out what to consider when selecting a heating or cooling system.
- Find out how to use ventilation and fans to cool your home.
- Evaporative coolers can be an efficient way to cool in low-humidity areas. Learn about selecting, installing, operating, and maintaining an evaporative cooler.
- For climates with moderate heating and cooling needs, heat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners. Learn about the various types of heat pumps.
- Find ENERGY STAR air-source or geothermal heat pumps.
- Consider radiant cooling if you live in an arid climate. Learn more about radiant cooling.
- Learn how to select an efficient air conditioner.
Install Your Air Conditioner so It Operates Efficiently
- Place your air conditioner on the shaded north side of the house.
- Properly size your air conditioner. Too large a unit will not adequately remove humidity. Too small a unit will not be able to attain a comfortable temperature on the hottest days.
- Learn more about proper installation and location of central air conditioners.
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.
Install Efficient Windows and Doors
- Install efficient windows.
- Find out what to consider when selecting new windows.
- Make the best selection for your home by learning about energy performance ratings and the various frames, glazing, and types of windows available.
- Purchase ENERGY STAR windows.
- Ensure that windows are properly installed.
- 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.
- Replace old exterior doors with new, energy-efficient doors.
- Learn about selecting and installing doors.
- Learn about storm doors.
- Purchase ENERGY STAR-qualified doors.
- If you have skylights, install more efficient units. If you want skylights for daylighting, consider installing tubular skylights that minimize heat loss in winter and heat gain in the summer.
- Make the best selection for your home by learning about energy performance ratings, skylight operation and use, and the glazing and shapes available.
- Purchase ENERGY STAR windows or skylights.
- Ensure that windows are properly installed.
Use Passive Solar Design to Keep Your Home Comfortable
- Consider employing passive solar design techniques that can help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
- Learn more about passive solar design, including overhangs, windows with reflective coatings, and reflective coatings on exterior walls and the roof.
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.
Heat Your Swimming Pool Efficiently
- Use a pool cover when your pool is not in use reduce water loss through evaporation and save up to 50%-70% on your pool heating costs.
- Learn more about pool covers, including the types available and how to use them.
- Determine the best temperature for your pool and estimate your energy costs to ensure you are operating your pool for maximum efficiency and enjoyment.
- Learn about managing pool temperature for energy efficiency.
- Install an efficient swimming pool heater.
- Install an energy-saving pool pump and operate it efficiently.
- Learn about installing and operating a pool pump efficiently.
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.
- Find a solar professional.
- Consider installing a geothermal heat pump to heat and cool your home (and possibly even supply hot water).
- Learn more about geothermal heat pumps.
