
Numerous individuals are unaware of the simplicity involved in transitioning their residences to function on reduced energy, and at InterNACHI®, our objective is to alter that perspective.
Significant reductions in heating, cooling, and electricity expenses can be achieved through basic modifications, most of which homeowners can undertake themselves. For those who seek the most current insights and cutting-edge systems in home energy efficiency, InterNACHI® energy auditors are equipped to conduct thorough assessments to identify optimal energy solutions for their homes.
What are the motives for enhancing your home’s energy efficiency? Here are several compelling reasons:
- Financial Savings: Energy-efficient homes require less expenditure to power.
- Enhanced Comfort: Indoor comfort levels are elevated.
- Environmental Benefits: Decreased pollution occurs as traditional energy production introduces pollutants into the air, soil, and water supplies.
- Climate Impact: Minimized fossil fuel consumption contributes to the mitigation of global warming.
- Incentives: Various financial incentives are accessible to homeowners across the U.S., including federal, state, utility, and local incentives such as tax breaks, rebates, and component swaps.
- Enhance Heating and Cooling Systems: Up to half of a home’s energy consumption is attributed to heating and cooling. Implementing these adjustments can reduce energy bills:
- Utilize ceiling fans as substitutes for energy-intensive air conditioners.
- Regularly replace air filters in heating and cooling systems.
- Adjust thermostats appropriately by lowering them during unoccupied periods and at night. A decrease of one degree for at least eight hours daily can lead to a 2% reduction in heating expenses.
- Install programmable thermostats for automated temperature adjustments, potentially saving up to $150 yearly in energy costs.
- Consider wood stoves or pellet stoves as efficient heating alternatives.
- Employ curtains at night to enhance insulation.
- Adopt Tankless Water Heaters: Tankless water heaters deliver hot water on demand, reducing standby energy losses linked to conventional storage water heaters.
- Replace Incandescent Bulbs: Traditional incandescent bulbs convert only a small fraction of consumed energy into light, while modern technologies like LEDs and CFLs can significantly reduce energy consumption.
- Seal and Insulate Your Home: Enhancing insulation and sealing gaps in your home’s envelope enhances comfort, indoor air quality, and energy savings. Common leakage areas include electrical outlets, mail slots, and around pipes and wires.
- Install Efficient Showerheads and Toilets: Installing low-flow showerheads and toilets conserves water usage and reduces utility bills.
- Responsible Appliance and Electronics Usage: Employing appliances and electronics efficiently contributes to reduced energy consumption. Strategies include shutting off computers when not in use, using ENERGY STAR-rated devices, and unplugging chargers.
- Implement Daylighting: Harness natural light through skylights, light shelves, clerestory windows, and light tubes to illuminate interiors.
- Insulate Windows and Doors: Windows and doors are common points of heat loss. Solutions involve sealing cracks, installing weatherstripping, and using storm windows.
- Cook Wisely: Optimize energy use during cooking by using convection ovens, microwaves, and lids on pots and pans.
- Laundry Efficiency: Reduce energy and water use by adjusting washer settings, avoiding high-temperature washes for lightly soiled clothes, and air-drying clothes when possible.
Those who implement these changes often find the energy savings to be rewarding. InterNACHI® home inspectors can facilitate this process by offering comprehensive assessments beyond the scope of typical homeowners.