Energy Efficient Home / How To Achieve - Part 1

How To Achieve - Part 1

Regardless of whether you are motivated by the looming energy crisis and ever-increasing costs of energy or more personal reasons, convictions or incentive, achieving cost and energy efficient homes (aside from building new – not an option for all of us!), are small changes, adjustment, repairs and installations, maintenance and adaptability, to save dollars and energy effectively!

You can find ways to incorporate alternative energy sources and technologies in and around your home.

Here are some of the newer features custom-built into homes, optimizing cost-effectiveness of architectural designs. If you are renovating consider your options carefully, like skylights, new windows, roof etc.

Design, open-plan, lots of windows and glass for better air circulation, natural light (less need and demand for light, electricity and energy).
Sealed Double Glazed Glass windows with thermal insulation to keep drafts and chill out, cool in hotter climates and months.
Insulation that will improve in-door living conditions, comfort and lower heating/cooling costs year-round.
Sturdy and insulated walls, floors, moisture resistant,
Low-maintenance quality roofing and solar options.

Without major renovation or new construction option open and available to you, there are other ways you can opt to weigh in and do your part.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has numerous great cost savings and energy tips for in and around your home (interior and exterior) that you can implement right away. Here are some highlights and ‘to do’ list(s) for the serious home-owner taking issue with saving energy and dollars, being and running a more responsible, conserving and efficient house, household and property all round.

No-cost/low-cost steps you can take to save energy

Water-heater temperature: Especially if you do have children in the house, turn the warmer setting down somewhat to the recommended 120 degrees F (safe and saves money!).

Cover water-beds as they will be insulated that way.

All major appliances have some energy settings (refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers) – utilize them.

Use compact fluorescents (CFLs) and low energy bulb replacements to cut down on electricity consumption and waste.

Upgrade old energy-guzzlers in your home (refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, furnace, A/C and others). Look for the energy efficient symbols and endorsements.

Clean or replace furnace, air-conditioner, and heat-pump filters.

Water-heater blanket, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators to cut consumption and waste.

Seal, caulk and repair all leaks, holes and drafts (walls, doors, windows, floors, corners, cracks and crevices, garage, basement etc.)

Heating and cooling systems, duct work inspected, repaired and/or replaced as applicable.

Actually track and check your consumption/waste. You will or might be pleasantly surprised at what you will typically find. Go back 6 months to a year and look at your bills. Split them into what you pay for fuel/gas and electricity, utilities (water/sewage)
See where and when, why the most/highest bills/costs are and try to find ways to cut down, save and lower consumption during those times.
Check all insulation, also on hot water pipes and ducts, through unheated areas specifically.
Air-leaks and drafts, gaps around chimneys, recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets.

Use your thermostat to turn temperature up/down a degree or two when it matters most (at night) to be more efficient and aware. Before you know it this will turn into second nature and some great new habits.

Educate and empower yourself, your kids, your family and friends. Spread the word about cost and energy savings, raise awareness, advocate and value the contribution(s) you are making, no matter how large or small you might deem them to be.

You can make it a top priority of your very own to make your own, your community, family, friends, neighbors all pitch in to do their part in saving money, energy, environment and more.

There cost and energy saving tips, secrets, recommendations and techniques, also result in adding home comfort, improve the air we breathe indoors, reduce damage caused by water, wind, snow and other extreme natural forces! Protects, secure, minimize damage, lower utility bills, and save energy. It is a worthwhile effort.

Try to approach your house as a whole FIRST and then area for area, in and out, room for room, all levels, from top to bottom, front-to-back, all sides.

Identifying the troublemakers, weak links and spots in the system that robs you of dollars and energy is at stake here. Be thorough, even use outside experts, diagnostics if you want to be sure!

Fix the problems at the source, do not treat the symptom – root-causes rectified will save you headaches and lots of money later on.
You can consult with home performance contractors or energy efficiency specialists to assist you with your task. There are also numerous DYI manuals, brochures and books by various suppliers and experts available to take you through what you need to do step-by-step to get your house in order and check so to speak.

Although your house is a complex system, there are lots of individual parts and components that can help/hinder your saving and energy efficiency efforts and attempts. You need to understand both parts and whole, individually and collectively to get things back in order and on track to not cost and arm and a leg, wasting money and energy in the process. Problems and issues also compound (especially in older homes), so you will be best served to act quickly and decisively regarding problems you might run into. Renovations might look nice, but they could be the source of problems for drafts or moisture, both energy eaters! Inspect all recent work and ensure that it is not contributing to higher energy consumption or waste.

Air conditioners
Air flow throughout the house
Filters
Furnaces
Humidifiers
Ventilation fans
Washers, dryers, appliances, technology equipment and other such luxuries, without a second thought of heat, moisture and additional demands that the houses were never designed for and then wonder why there are problems.

You have to seriously take a look at the age, design and functioning of your home, your utilization of space, free, unrestricted airflow in your house, circulation, moisture, condensation etc. which could all contribute and/or be symptoms of deeper issues that need to be addressed sooner rather than later, to make sure that you do not end up paying more than you have to, for utilities and/or repairs!

When it comes to electricity, you can cut your consumption, waste and cost, even make your own these days! Take a serious inventory and look at where, what, why and how much electricity you are using. Come up with a plan to conserve, consolidate, optimize and even cut consumption and waste, saving some money.

Also In This Category:

Energy Efficient Home
- Feng Shui Home Energy
- Home Energy Conservation
- Home Energy Audits
- Home Energy Use: Where Does It Go And How Can I Save?
- Putting Home Energy Savings On To Your System
- Alternative Home Energy
- Why Use A House Energy Shield
- The Different Types Of Home Energy Use Comparisons
- Brick Stone Home Energy Efficient
- Home Energy Efficiency Improvement Tax
- Energy Bars Taken At Home: Will They Work?
- Solar Home Energy: What Is It For?
- Home Energy Generation Systems
- Wisconsin Home Energy Audits: Steps That Will Help You Save
- How To Achieve - Part 2

Currently Online :

3 member(s), 28 guest(s):
Chancer, Horsewisperer, Justkeepswimming, Ask Jeeves, Baiduspider+, Google, oBot, Slurp

Search :

No comments yet

© Copyright Regardless of whether you are motivated by the looming energy crisis and ever-increasing costs of energy or more personal reasons, convictions or incentive, achieving cost and energy efficient homes ( | Contact Us | Terms Of Service | Privacy Policy

Categories: Tenant Screening Declutter your Home List Building Decorate Your Home Porches Decks How to Start Your Own Cellar Kitchen Care Home Inspection Boo-Boos Paint Tips For Your Home Bathroom Accessories Waterfront Property Air Purifiers Vacuum Cleaners Waterfront Property Swimming Pools Sell Your House Roofing Power Tools Energy Efficient Home Excavation Equipment Metal Detector Alternative Energy Ceiling Fans Mini Blinds Home Security Excavation Equipment Home Improvement Carpet Pool Accessories Carport Home Makeover Lighting Construction Management Windows Water Treatment Solar Energy Shipping Security Roofing Remodeling Patio Mattress Home Refinancing Home Inspector Home DIY Generators Garage Remodeling Excavation Machines Chandelier Bathroom Accessories Alarm Systems Woodworking Termites Siding Rugs Home Security Realtor Real Estate Moving Relocation Window Blinds Kitchen Remodeling Flooring Buying A New Home

Latest Construction Forum Topics:

How To Achieve - Part 1

Sponsored Ads:

Related Articles:

Also In This Category:

Currently Online :

Search :