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Top 10 Home Improvements for Energy Efficiency
  1. When replacing old appliances choose efficient Energy Star-labeled models. From dishwashers to air conditioners, appliances with an Energy Star label meet high government standards of efficiency. One note: many European appliances that are equally (if not more) efficient do not carry the Energy Star label.
  2. Install double-pane windows with high-performance glass panes. Energy Star windows are twice as efficient as the standard, single pane windows of a decade ago. And while the savings on your energy bill will not quickly offset the cost of new windows, if you're planning a renovation anyway, it's wise to choose efficient products. A bonus: many models qualify for the Energy Efficient Tax Credit. If new window units are not an option, install storm windows during the cold weather months.
  3. Insulate. The attic is the place to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to insulation. If you already have some insulation, but not enough, you can simply add a layer. To find out how much insulation you need for maximum energy efficiency in your region, type your zip code into the box on this page of the Department of Energy's website http://www.ornl.gov/~roofs/Zip/ZipHome.html
  4. Buy a programmable thermostat. This automatically turns the heat down when you don't need it and up when you do. It will cost less than $50 and is easy to install. By keeping your home's temperature 10-15 degrees lower while you're at work, for example, you can save up to 10 percent on your heating bill.
  5. Make the most of daylighting and shading. Reduce your need for electrical lighting by adding south-facing windows or skylights. A less expensive option: open window treatments to fully to let the sunshine in. Similarly, keep your house cool naturally by closing blinds and shades when it's sunny and hot, reducing your reliance on air conditioning.
  6. Insulate your water heater. If your tank is warm to the touch, heat is escaping. This can be remedied by wrapping a water heater blanket (available at home supply stores for about $30) around the tank. While you're at it, you may want to lower the temperature on the water heater to 120-130 degrees, down from the factory-set 140 degrees.
  7. Find and seal air leaks. Common routes for warm air to invade your house in the summer and escape in the winter include vents (such as those for dyers and fans), recessed lighting, doors and windows, and the small holes for exterior pipes and wires. Use caulk, foam, or weather stripping to fill these in and save as much as 10 percent on your energy bill. Even keeping curtains closed at night can minimize leaks through drafty windows.
  8. Seal ducts. In homes with forced-air heating and cooling, up to 20 percent of the air moving through ducts is lost through leaks. Focus on easy-to-access, exposed ducts in places like basements and attics, and be sure to include the repair of hidden ducts when doing larger renovation projects that require opening up walls. Use duct tape, or better yet duct mastic, to fill in holes in the seams.
  9. Replace incandescent bulbs with CFLs or LEDs. CFLs use two-thirds less energy than incandescents, and LEDs (which are less widely available and more expensive) use half of what CFLs consume. It's hard to believe a few light bulbs can make a difference, but they can: If every American home replaced the incandescent bulbs in their 5 most frequently used light fixtures with energy-efficient bulbs, the country would save close to $8 billion each year in energy costs.
  10. Claim your credit! You can get a one-time federal income tax credit of up to $500 for the installation of a variety of energy efficient products such as new windows, insulation, doors, and heating and cooling equipment. Check out the Energy Star website's tax credit page for details http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits#s2

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