15. Comfy at home
I will adopt one or more energy-saving activities to keep myself and my family warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
About 55% of energy used in an average US household is for heating and cooling. This represents over 11% of the United States’ total energy consumption, releasing, per household, almost 10,000 lbs. of CO2 annually.
There are many excellent strategies to reduce heating and cooling energy use in our homes -- from simple and inexpensive options to actions that require more up-front costs (insulating, replacing windows, installing a heat pump), but also save money over time.
The EPA estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating & cooling costs by properly sealing and adding insulation to their homes. According to Energy Star, 90% of US homes are under insulated and have significant air leaks. If your home has no insulation, the savings can be much greater.
Close to 30% of a home’s heating energy is typically lost through windows in the winter, and in the summer about 76% of the sunlight that falls on a single-pane window enters your home to become heat.
When it is time to replace your furnace, a heat pump is a very efficient option and can reduce your electricity use by approximately 50% over a typical electric furnace. If you combine this with a home solar system you can generate your own electricity and eliminate your need to use hydrocarbons to heat and/or cool your home.
TAKING ACTION!
1) Simple/inexpensive Options: Here are some great actions that cost very little or nothing to implement, but will save energy and reduce your carbon footprint:
Dress for it. Wear warmer clothes around the house in the winter and cooler clothes in the summer. Modifying what you wear for temperature comfort is the first best option.
Clean or replace furnace and air conditioning filters (also known as return vent filters) as recommended by the filter manufacturer or depending on your home conditions. During smokey periods, this could be monthly.
Make sure your air vents are not blocked by furniture or artwork.
In winter, keep blinds, drapes or shades on your south-facing windows open to allow sunlight to help warm your home and then close them at night to help keep the warmth in your home.
During summer, keep blinds, drapes or shades closed during the day to block the sun’s heat, whenever possible.
In addition, Southern California Edison offers these and other helpful recommendations for energy-efficient heating and cooling options.
2) Insulation:
Insulate! Here is an excellent general guide to adding insulation to your home, which helps you decide what type of insulation to add, and the costs and payback of doing so.
For do-it-yourselfers (DIY), here’s a guide to installing blown-in attic insulation.
3) Windows:
Improve your energy efficiency and reduce drafts by repairing and/or modifying your existing windows
Use caulk and/or weatherstripping to fix air leaks around windows. Caulking around your house is a great DIY project that doesn’t require specialized skills and also helps seal off access points for termites.
Add energy efficient window treatments such as solar control films, awnings, exterior blinds & overhangs.
Consider installing plastic heat-shrink wraps over existing windows during winter especially if the specific windows are not used very often (this is an inexpensive option.)
Replace your windows with new, more energy efficient options. Replacing old windows with more efficient double or triple pane windows can significantly reduce energy losses, making your home more comfortable with fewer drafts and reducing your heating needs, costs and carbon footprint. In warm areas like ours, look for window coatings that reduce heat gain.
4) Heat Pump:
If you need to replace your furnace, consider installing a heat pump. Have experts design & install your new energy efficient system.
Size your solar system understanding what your heat pump specifications are since you will need fewer solar panels to support the heat pump than a normal electric furnace.
5) Remember: always choose products (insulation, windows, heat pumps, etc.) that have the Energy Star rating. A list of Energy Star products is at this site. The Dept of Energy also provides a very helpful Home Improvement Expert Checklist to plan energy-related projects around your home.
Additional Motivational Thoughts.
The State of California has a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which provides funding to assist low-income households with managing and meeting their immediate home heating and/or cooling needs. LIHEAP has numerous programs and can provide free energy efficient upgrades.
Please don’t forget to keep your receipts and apply for the Federal tax credits (available through 12/31/2021) for insulation, window replacements & heat pumps.
