Home » Column 1 - Tips: » At Home
|

Making an Impact at Home

The Energy Information Administration estimates that household energy use is responsible for about one-fifth of the total energy consumed in the United States each year. While the average U.S. family spends almost $1,500 a year on utility bills, much of this energy is unfortunately not put to use. Heat can escape from your home through drafty windows, doors, attics, and walls and some of your household appliances use energy 24 hours a day - even when they are turned off.

Improving your home's energy-efficiency doesn't just save money; better insulation, for example, reduces uncomfortable drafts, and double-pane windows make for a quieter home. The possibilities for reducing your home’s impact on the environment are endless and can easily add up to both save you money and improve the comfort of your home.
Heating

Heating and cooling are the largest energy expenses in most homes, accounting for 55% of home energy costs in the Southeast. In colder parts of the country, heating costs alone can account for anywhere from 35-50% of annual energy bills. Read More
Cooling

Energy consumption for home air conditioning accounts for almost 5% of all the electricity produced in the U.S. and costs homeowners over $15 billion annually, emitting roughly 140 million tons of carbon dioxide. Read More
Lighting

The U.S. spends about one-quarter of its electricity on lighting at a cost of more than $37 billion annually. Read More
Water at Home

The average household spends as much as $500 per year on its water and sewer bill. Read More
Using Appliances

Home appliances can add to or detract from a home's overall energy-efficiency. Read More
New Construction

Before you design a new home or remodel an existing one, you should consider investing in its energy-efficiency- you'll save energy and money in the long run. Read More