How and Why to Improve the Energy Efficiency of your House

Energy efficiency is the classic topic that comes up especially when it’s time to renovate your place, or when you are buying a new house. Should you really care about energy efficiency? And if the answer is yes, what specific measures you need to take to implement an efficient power saving system? Last, is an energy efficient home really worth the effort?
Let’s start from the last question. Efficient homes allow users to save up to 10-20% on heating and cooling bills and up to 12% on their electricity bill. The actions to take are neither complicated nor expensive, as they consist mostly of just some few smart tricks within everybody’s reach. So, the answer is decisively positive.
What are the best ways to save energy then? The website of the US Department of Energy (https://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/how-much-can-you-really-save-energy-efficient-improvements) gives the following tips:
– Replace your bulbs with energy star models;
– Turn back the thermostats 7-10° F for 8 hours a day;
– Fix any leaky faucet to save water;
– Seal air leaks;
– Install exterior low-e storm windows;
– If you have a yard, plant shade trees;
– Weather-strip double-hung windows;
– Insulate hot water pipes and water tanks:
– And a few others.
According to the Department of Energy, it is possible to save around $1000 per year that way. The costs of implementation of these measures are affordable and easily amortizable in a couple of years. Plus, it is possible to claim specific federal tax credits. In conclusion, energy saving is convenient, and it is not too complicated to implement.
However, the best way to improve the energy efficiency of your house and take the best opportunities to save money in this way is to develop a real strategy for energy saving. It must be articulated on three pivots: good insulation and sealing, usage of energy efficient appliances, and adoption of energy saving habits- like switching off the light when you leave a room.
Some of these measures, like an appropriate and efficient wall and roof sealing have to be taken either during the planning of the building or the periodic renovations and maintenance. If you are going to buy a new house, it is thus wise to ask the owner about its energy efficiency. If you are going to renovate your house, it is a good idea to ask for a professional home energy audit, which will reveal the areas of poor energy efficiency performance of your house. In this way, you will know exactly what improvements to do in order to save energy and money.
To have the best results, it is advisable to face the problem with the help of a good architect or an expert. JB Property Solutions LLC’s team offers you all their experience for comprehensive options for your current home, when shopping for your dream home, or anything in between. For further information, please feel free to contact us when you please by calling us or sending us an email to which we will reply as soon as possible.
Photo credit: https://www.abb-conversations.com/2017/03/energy-efficiency-is-no-longer-an-opinion/