Even though new homes are 100% more energy efficient than those built 30 years ago, most people don't know how to build energy efficiency into their home's structure.
Here are a few things you can do at home to save energy:
- Windows and doors: Modern buildings take advantage of more window space and more complicated doorways. This style upgrade makes a home look better, but it also makes it more important to have energy-efficient windows and doors.
Nearly half of a home's annual energy costs go to heating and cooling, on average. You can cut this cost by up to 15% if you use energy-efficient windows and doors, which make it harder for heat to escape. Start by looking for the Energy Star label on things. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy have strict rules about how energy-efficient products should be, and this label lets you know if a product meets those rules.
- Building materials: Wood or vinyl (for windows) and steel (for doors) are good choices because they save a lot of energy. Insulating glass units with two panes and low-emissivity glass also make windows more energy efficient. Look for steel doors with a polystyrene core instead of a polyurethane core. This helps the door keep its energy-saving properties longer.
Rest assured, though, that you won't have to give up style and beauty if you want to save energy. Many companies, like Jeld-Wen Windows and Doors, make Energy Star-qualified products that look good, last a long time, and work better than other products. In fact, replacing your windows and doors is a great way to make your home more energy efficient.
- Insulating your home: Choosing the right insulation can help keep the temperature in your home even and reduce the amount of heat lost through windows and doors. When it comes to heating and cooling costs, well-insulated homes can save up to 30%. Pay attention to the R-values that are used to rate the energy efficiency of insulation. A higher R-value means that the insulation can resist heat flow better, which means it uses less energy.
- Heating and cooling engines: It is common to install too much heating or cooling equipment so that customers can see results right away. But if your home is made to save energy, you don't need equipment that is too big. It will only make your energy bill go up.
Visit a home improvement store near you to find out more about how to heat and cool your home.
