Existing Home Efficiency
- Does your house stay warmer in the summer or colder in the
winter than you like?
- Are your appliances making strange noises and do not seem to
work properly anymore?
It may be time for some energy efficient upgrades. The
following is a list of upgrades with useful information and links
that may help you make your home more energy efficient.
HVAC
If heating and cooling system is around 15 years old, or if you
are having continuous trouble with it, then you might consider
replacing it with a more energy efficient system.
You may also need a new HVAC system if you are adding square
footage, for example, finishing your basement or adding space to
your home.
Click
to view information and tips on purchasing a new unit.
(Changing AC Document)
INSULATION
Have you checked the insulation in your attic lately? Has the
insulation "settled" between your ceiling joists or was
an inadequate amount installed when the home was built? If you
don’t have a proper amount of insulation in your attic or in
other areas of your home, you could be losing money on heating and
cooling costs. In many cases, upgrading the insulation will pay
for itself in savings on your energy bills over a few years. Click
here to see various types of insulation: Insulation Pics (COMING
SOON)
Click
here to visit the Department of Energy’s Insulation Guide.
APPLIANCES
Appliances such as refrigerators, washers and dryers wear out over
the years making it necessary to replace them. Typically, the
older the unit, the more energy it consumes. When it is time to
purchase a major appliance, we recommend looking for energy
efficient units. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers
an ENERGY STAR® rating on appliances that meet strict energy
efficiency guidelines.
Click
here to visit the ENERGY STAR® selections.
WINDOWS
Windows are a major source of air infiltration in homes.
Single-pane windows do not have the insulating properties that
double-pane windows possess. If you can feel air around your
single-pane windows on a windy day, it might be time to consider
maintenance on your windows; the addition of storm windows or a
total upgrade to double-pane windows.
Click
here to research the possibilities in window replacement
Or to view
information on storm windows.
CAULK AND WEATHER-STRIPPING
Can you see light shining around your door even when it is shut
and locked? Do you get cold in the winter when you pass a door or
window? Over time, weather-stripping and caulk can degrade and
crack, resulting in air infiltration. Unfortunately, builder’s
grade caulk doesn’t usually last long, so don’t overlook the
window and door caulking in a new home either.
Click
here for weather stripping and caulking tips.
WINDOW TINT
You may want to consider window tint if:
- You have windows that get direct sunlight during the day.
- Your carpet or furniture is fading in some rooms and not
others.
- You have rooms that heat up during the day due to sunlight.
If your windows do not have low-E glass, window tinting might
be an upgrade to consider.
Click
here for more information
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