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Residential Energy Efficiency Program Article
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Tips for Home Energy Efficiency
from:Home energy efficiency is one of the largest areas of energy efficiency, using about 1/5 of the energy yearly in the United States. Homes are a he waster of energy and if everyone concentrated on making their home more energy efficient than pollution would be reduced, fossil fuels saved and energy bills would go down.
There are many ways to practice home energy efficiency. You can do some simple things in your home to make it more energy efficient in general and then you can focus on the areas that use the most energy, like heating, cooling and appliances.
General home Energy Efficiency
Energy loss is a huge concern of home energy efficiency. Energy loss is energy that is not even used but rather lost on the way to the home. Energy loss occurs through cracks in windows and doors, and through poorly insulated walls. It can also occur form bad electrical wiring and improperly insulated pipes.
Weatherization involves finding energy leaks and fixing them. Many utility companies offer a free service where they will check this for you so you can get it fixed.
You may want to consider upgrading your windows to energy efficient windows. If you have bad window sills or even a badly fitted door, getting those fixed could be a big energy saver, too.
If replacement is not in your budget then you can still make your windows and doors more energy efficient by caulking cracks and holes. You can put plastic over leaking windows, too, in the winter to keep cold out and heat in.
Something many people do not consider is using landscaping to make your home more energy efficient. You can plant shrubs and bushes against your home to help keep wind out. You can also plant trees so they will eventually provide shade for your home.
Heating and Cooling Energy Efficiency
Heating and cooling is a major energy cost. One of the best ways to make your heating and cooling system more energy efficient is to buy energy efficient products. You should also make sure your system is well insulated so heat does not escape and turn into lost energy.
Simply keeping up on the maintenance – replacing filters and getting leaks fixed – can make your system more efficient.
Appliance Energy Efficiency
Just like heating and cooling, your appliances can be upgraded to energy efficient appliances. However, many people can not afford to replace all their homes appliances. You can start saving energy by unplugging appliances when not in use. Things like computers and televisions may use energy even when turned off.
Just take simple steps to not waste energy and to upgrade whenever possible to energy efficient products and you will be taking a good step towards home energy efficiency.
Residential Energy Efficiency Program News
Get Cool with Energy Efficiency before it Gets Hot - MarketWatch (press release)
Get Cool with Energy Efficiency before it Gets Hot MarketWatch (press release) "The Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund's Home Energy Solutions program helps residents by sending trained specialists to their homes to perform the assessment, make on-the-spot improvements and provide rebates on appliances, HVAC systems and ... |
FirstEnergy efficiency programs grow — in other states - State Journal
FirstEnergy efficiency programs grow — in other states State Journal The residential energy-saving incentive page on West Penn Power's website lists 10 programs, some of which are a home energy analyzer, discounts on compact fluorescent lights, an energy conservation kit and a less intense walk-through home energy audit ... |
Rinnai Forms Partnership with RESNET to Improve Home-Energy Performance - Virtual-Strategy Magazine
Rinnai Forms Partnership with RESNET to Improve Home-Energy Performance Virtual-Strategy Magazine As part of the agreement, Rinnai will help educate HVAC and building professionals on the RESNET Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index, the industry standard by which a home's energy efficiency is measured. Rinnai America Corporation and the ... Co-promote Home Energy Performance |
The House Designers Launch Preferred Builder Program - San Francisco Chronicle (press release)
The House Designers Launch Preferred Builder Program San Francisco Chronicle (press release) "Builders understand the importance of incorporating green building techniques and energy efficient products into new home construction, which is why The House Designers offer one of the largest collection of green house plans online," said Tammy ... |
A green future starts at home for Californians - San Francisco Chronicle
A green future starts at home for Californians San Francisco Chronicle On May 31, the commission is expected to approve the nation's most stringent energy efficiency standards for residential and commercial buildings. The new rules would apply to new construction and take effect on Jan. 1, 2014. |