ENERGY STAR® is the Key to Using Less Energy, Saving Money and Protecting the Environment
As the price of heating a home rises, homeowners in Alaska and across the country are becoming increasingly interested in ways to make their houses more energy efficient. Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, a national program for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is helping Americans to take a comprehensive, whole-house approach to improving energy efficiency and comfort at home, while helping to protect the environment.
Getting started with the national program is easy. With five minutes and your last 12 months of utility bills, ENERGY STAR has a web site at www.energystar.gov (Under Home Improvement, click on Home Energy Audits) where you can compare your home’s energy efficiency to similar homes across the country, then get recommendations for energy-saving improvements. Another option is to hire a qualified professional to do a comprehensive evaluation of your home. Some of the likely recommendations for changes could include:
Sealing Air Leaks
Leaks around windows doors and electrical outlets can be obvious solutions. Leaks also can occur in attics, around chimneys and through recessed lighting fixtures.
Adding Insulation
Many older homes are not well insulated and some may not have any insulation at all. Make sure insulation in walls, floors and attics is properly installed so that you’ll have more even temperatures throughout the house. You’ll also notice a quieter and more comfortable living environment that is easier to heat.
Sealing Ductwork
Leaky ductwork and poor air flow can result in stuffy and uncomfortable rooms, no matter how high you set the heat. Sealing the home’s ducts with mastic, metal tape or spray-on sealant and balancing the duct system can optimize air flow to all rooms. Insulating duct work in crawlspaces, attics and some basements also can result in improvements.
Improving Heating Systems
If your furnace is more than ten years old, it may need to be replaced with a newer one that has the ENERGY STAR label. High-efficiency units can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs. Bigger isn’t always better, make sure you have the right size unit for the size of your home, which will result in consistent temperatures and better humidity control.
Upgrading Lighting & Appliances
The amount of energy for lighting and appliances can account for half of the home’s total utility bill. ENERGY STAR qualified product such as refrigerators, dishwashers, electronic equipment, light fixtures and compact fluorescent bulbs can make a huge difference in the amount of energy consumed. More than 50 types of products can earn the ENERGY STAR because they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. An energy and water-efficient hot water heater also is a must.
There are lots of other simple things you can do to save energy, like changing the air filter in the furnace regularly and installing programmable thermostats. Contact your SBS representative who can help with selecting a variety of energy efficient appliances and products.
