Energy-efficiency upgrades can save you money, but where’s the best place to start? Cooling can make up more than half of energy use in a typical home, while water heating is the second largest energy user.
So, if you’re looking to improve your home’s energy performance, focus on these areas. The following upgrades will significantly reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.
1. High-Efficiency Space Conditioning
If your air conditioner is older, air-source heat pumps provide a great replacement. They move air in and out of your home to provide high-efficiency year-round comfort. They run quieter than conventional HVAC systems, require less maintenance and produce no onsite emissions.
Install ENERGY STAR®-certified units, which are independently tested to use less energy than standard models while still providing great performance.
2. Smart Thermostats
Programmable thermostats automatically adjust your home’s temperature to save energy while maintaining comfort. Today’s smart models offer advanced features such as self-programming, geofencing and remote control.
3. Well-Insulated and Sealed Attic
A poorly insulated attic lets allows unwelcome hot air to radiate into your home during summer hot weather and lets rising warm air escape in winter. Contact a qualified insulation contractor to inspect your attic and ensure it is properly insulated.
Look for common locations of attic air leaks, including dropped soffits, knee walls, wiring and piping holes, recessed lights and chimneys. Seal any gaps you find with caulk or expanding foam insulation, both readily available at your local DIY retailer.
4. High-Performance Windows
A lot of energy and comfort can be lost through windows, especially if you have older, single-pane models. Upgrading to ENERGY STAR®-certified high-performance models can significantly reduce your energy costs and make your home more comfortable.
ENERGY STAR® windows include advanced features that make them more energy efficient. These features include quality frame materials, multiple panes, insulating gas fills between panes, and special coatings that reflect light — keeping heat out during summer and in during winter.
5. Heat Pump Water Heaters
Heat pump water heaters take heat from the air inside your home and transfer it to water inside a tank to produce high-efficiency hot water. Like other electric equipment, they produce no onsite emissions, making your home healthier, safer and more energy efficient. Look for ENERGY STAR®-certified high-performance models.
OUC Rebates Make Upgrades More Affordable
While upgrades can be expensive, financial incentives can help. OUC offers rebates on these and many other home improvements and appliances that boost your home’s energy and water efficiency and help lower your bill. Rebates come as credits on your bill. Just be sure to apply within six months of purchase.
Find out more about OUC’s rebate program.
