Home Remodeling Tips for Better Energy Efficiency

After a long winter, it's finally time to get outside and enjoy your property again! But before you start your gardening, take a few minutes to plan out your spring home improvement projects. 

As consumers become more aware of the importance of using energy wisely, there are many new options for home improvement that provide an environmentally friendly way to save money. Here are a few ideas to start with for upgrading your home to a more energy-efficient environment.

10 Energy Efficient Home Improvement Ideas

1. Perform air sealing - Air sealing is a systematic way of finding and sealing air leakage points throughout your home, from the attic to the walls to the basement and/or crawlspace. Caulking and weatherstripping are two simple and effective air-sealing techniques that offer quick returns on investment, often one year or less. A blower door test is the best way to quantify how tight or leaky your home is.  Professional air-sealing contractors use the blower door equipment to measure the rate of air changes as well as to facilitate what areas need improved sealing.

2. Update lighting with LED lights - Switching to LED lighting is easy, and cost-effective. LED lights use significantly less energy than incandescent and last much longer than both incandescent and fluorescent. 

3. Install solar blocking window tint - Temperature control window film saves on cooling costs. Solar film can block up to 99 percent of the UV or ultraviolet rays that pass through a window and add heat to the interior of your home.

4. Integrate smart home technology – Smart home systems such as climate and light automation are now available for residential applications. Occupancy and/or scheduled climate and lighting control along with controlled consumer electronic devices can add up to real energy savings over time.

5. Check insulation levels - Check with the local building code to see what is recommended and then add insulation if you are below code. Adding wall insulation may be cost-prohibitive, but adding attic/ceiling insulation can reduce both heating and cooling loads.  If you are in a predominantly cooling climate, studies show that radiant barriers can reduce cooling costs by 5-10% in places.

6. Invest in energy-efficient appliances - Energy Star certified refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers are designed to use less energy.  In the kitchen consider induction cooktops for efficiency and safety.

7. Consider replacing your current HVAC system - Once relegated to only moderate climates, high-efficiency heat pumps can now operate down to -25°. Heat pumps can be used to replace or complement existing systems and can save significant money over time.

8. Upgrade to an electric water heater. Conventional water heaters are the most common, however, the cost of heating water can consume almost 20 percent of your household budget, not to mention what you’ll also spend on heating and cooling your home. Despite this expense, water heaters are not given much thought until they break, leaving you (and your guests) with no hot water and perhaps, a flooded basement.

9. Install skylights or solar tubes – Skylights are a way to add natural lighting in areas of the home where it’s usually dim during daylight hours. When properly installed, energy-efficient skylights can help bring light into your home without adding to your energy bills.

10. Install new windows - One popular home renovation project is installing energy-efficient windows and doors. The return on investment is typically long but installed properly can reduce drafts and improve comfort not to mention improving the look.

As you can see, there are many ways to update your home to include energy-efficient options. If you're looking for help with a renovation project and want one that will save money on energy, contact your local co-op or PPD, or a licensed energy-efficient contractor and ask about any available incentives or rebates. The tips we’ve shared should give you a head start on how to make your home an energy-saving powerhouse. If you want even more information, be sure to check out our blog for other helpful articles.

On-Bill Repayment Program

The great news about energy-efficient upgrades like purchasing new windows or installing a heat pump, is there are often programs and rebates available to help with, or even cover the cost. 

If you're looking for help with a renovation project and want one that will save money on energy, contact your local co-op or PPD, or a licensed energy-efficient contractor and ask about any available incentives or rebates. 

Electrify and Save™ 

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Tri-State is a not-for-profit cooperative of 44 members, including 41 member utility electric distribution cooperatives and public power districts in four states, that together deliver reliable, affordable, and responsible power to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West. For more information about Tri-State and our Responsible Energy Plan, visit www.tristate.coop.