There are a number of projects—both large and small—that can improve the energy efficiency of your home and lower your utility bills.
Lear about other energy-efficient updates in our article about energy-efficient roofs.
Major Energy Saving Projects:
- Installing a more energy efficient heating/cooling system.
- Replacing old single-pane windows with insulated glass windows.
- Installing a tankless gas or electric heat pump hot water heater.
Inexpensive Energy Saving Projects:
- Sealing up cracks and gaps with caulking.
- Filling holes with spray foam insulation.
- Replacing worn weatherstripping around doors and windows.
- Installing a new threshold under exterior doors.
Watch the video above to find out more.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Danny Lipford: People always ask me what they can do to save money on their energy bills. Obviously, a new more efficient heating and cooling system is one way, but there’s lots of others.
If you have old single-paned windows, replacing them with new double- or triple-pane units, is a great idea. The air space between panes acts as insulation. And if you choose vinyl frames, rather than aluminum ones, you create a thermal break that keeps heat from transferring as easily.
Your water heater accounts for about 13-percent of your overall energy usage, so updating it will save a significant amount. Especially if you choose a super-efficient unit, like the tankless gas models that are available today.
These improvements aren’t cheap, so the utility bill payback takes a little while. But there are inexpensive weatherization chores—like replacing weather stripping around doors and windows, replacing worn thresholds or sweeps at doorways, and filling gaps and cracks around the outside of the home—that’ll start showing you savings, right away.
Further Information
- Easy Ways to Save Energy in Your Home (article)
- Tips to Lower the Utility Bills in Your Home (article)
- Making Windows More Energy Efficient (video)
- How to Replace an Entry Door Threshold (video)
