Add Insulation - One of the most cost effective ways to make your home more efficient is to add insulation. This can mean up to a 20% savings in heating and cooling costs. The easiest place to add insulation is in the attic. The recommended amount of insulation is R-38 (or about 12-15 inches). Cellulose blown-in insulation is more resistant to air flow than fiberglass insulation, is made of recycled material and is flame-retardant.
Upgrade HVAC Equipment- Heating and cooling accounts for half your household energy consumption. Upgrading to energy efficient heating and cooling equipment will save hundreds of dollars each year. Proper sizing and maintenance are also important. Use a contractor that will perform a load calculation on your home to accurately size your new HVAC equipment. Have a pre-season check on your system in the spring and fall each year to make sure your equipment is running properly.
Replace Windows - A Low-E dual or triple pane window will reduce heat loss or gain, resulting in lower heating and cooling costs. Your climate will dictate the type of window that will provide the greatest efficiency. Options such as UV coatings, framing and gas-filling have specific benefits for different climates.
Heat pump water heater - Super efficient and eco-friendly! A heat pump water heater will provide $9 worth of heating for each dollar spent on the electricity to power it. It transfers heat from the air to the water instead of creating heat, making it twice as efficient as a standard electric water heater. Heat pump water heaters can qualify for tax credits and local utility rebates.
Solar water heater - Use free energy from the sun to heat your water! Certain systems can qualify for a 30% tax credit as well as rebates from your local utility company. Contact your local solar provider for options.
Radiant Barrier - Install a radiant barrier in your attic to reduce heat loss or heat gain. Radiant barrier can block up to 97% of radiant heat transfer providing a significant savings in your heating and cooling costs.
Attic Fan - Easy to install, a solar attic fan is a great choice to lower your attic temperature, which will reduce the load on your HVAC system. This will, in turn, save money on your cooling costs as well as extending the life of your HVAC equipment. Best of all, it operates on free solar power!
D'mand System- "Are you waiting for hot water?" The D'mand System moves hot water to your most remote fixture in seconds. The cool water that would normally run down the drain while you wait for hot water is recirculated back to the water heater. The D'mand System is more energy efficient than standard recirculators. Save energy and water while adding the convenience of hot water on demand!
Duct Sealing & Insulating- Duct leakage can reduce your heating and cooling equipment's efficiency by 20%. Wrap ductwork in fsk insulation and seal any holes or cracks with duct sealant. Well sealed ductwork may also allow you to downsize your HVAC equipment and reduce energy consumption.
Install Tubular Skylights - For about the cost of a nice light fixture, you can install a tubular skylight. The Natural Light model is more efficient than standard skylights; it emits more light, has a sealed shaft to minimize hot or cold air from infiltrating your home, and can be installed in less than two hours.
Visit http://www.coolattix.com and http://iamenergysmart.com/Energy-Smart-Ideas/index.php for more information or to purchase items listed above!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?10-Big-Steps-to-Improve-Your-Homes-Efficiency&id=3305964] 10 Big Steps to Improve Your Home's Efficiency
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