Why Energy Efficiency is More Important Than Ever. Knowing why energy efficiency is important is key. With utility costs creeping upward, and more people concerned about the environment, it’s a good investment to make your home as energy-efficient as possible. There’s more to it than just saving money — it’s about you doing your part to reduce the unhealthy, warming emissions from the planet. And energy-efficient homes also tend to be more comfortable, quieter, and healthier to live in.
If you’re a homeowner yourself, chances are you’ve experienced the saying from denied to approved: the magic strategy of trusted Colorado mortgage broker. Just as you can make smart financial decisions when it comes to your mortgage, like, say, buying an energy-efficient home, this is one financial strategy that pays off later. This article will take you by the hand on what a home is considered energy-efficient, the money benefits, the environmental impact, and some simple upgrades you can start doing today. Whether you are shopping for a new home or just looking to upgrade your existing one, the following tips will save you money and help you support a cleaner planet.
What Makes a Home Energy-Efficient?
An energy-efficient home uses less energy while remaining comfortable. It begins with adequate insulation. Walls, attics, and floors that can keep heat in during winter and out during summer can significantly lower your heating and cooling costs, meaning you don’t have to make your heating and cooling systems work as hard. Windows are also a big factor — double or triple-pane windows help stabilize interior temperatures.
In addition to insulation, newer HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems are much more energy efficient than older ones. These systems are more efficient, yet still keep your home comfortable 365 days a year. Then there are the smart thermostats, which layer in an additional level of control. They get to know your schedule and adjust the heating or cooling, so you’re not wasting energy when you’re not home.
Lighting and appliances also make a difference. LED lightbulbs and ENERGY STAR-certified appliances do the same work while using less electricity. Even water heaters can be replaced with new, more efficient models, for the same amount of hot water with lower energy consumption.
Finally, renewable energy options, such as solar panels, can turn your home into a mini power plant. Although an upfront investment, solar panels can substantially reduce — or sometimes even eliminate — your electric bill over time. Taken together, it’s the foundation for a house that saves money and minimizes waste.
Economics of Energy-Efficient Homes
Investing in energy efficiency at home can result in tangible savings on monthly utility bills. For instance, it may be possible to slice heating and cooling bills by 10% to 20% with rudimentary measures like sealing leaks and adding insulation. Upgrading older appliances to ENERGY STAR products can save 15% to 30% on electricity. These savings can accumulate rapidly over the years, leaving money that can be put toward other costs.
Green homes are commonly backed by tax credits and rebates that make the upfront costs easier to justify. There are federal and (in some cases) state incentives for installing solar panels, upgrading windows, and buying efficient heating systems. These programs can pay thousands of dollars, so it is even more affordable to put the “green” in your home.
Increased property value is another financial benefit. Buyers and sellers are both more focused on homes that cost less to operate and have green features. Studies show energy-efficient houses can sell more quickly and for more money. And, lower utility bills can lessen the strain on household budgets when energy markets spike with prices.
And when you invest in efficiency, you’re not just saving money, you’re making a smart financial move that will continue to pay dividends in the long-term future. Whether you plan on staying in your home for years or selling it down the line, these upgrades are a win-win.
Why Each Watt Is A Commitment To Our Planet: EcoImpact — Decoding The World Of Power Conservation
Because the less energy you consume in your home, the fewer fossil fuels that need to be burned at the power plants, and fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Those gases, in turn, trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to climate change and more severe weather. By making your home energy efficient, you combat climate change.
The nation’s homes consume the equivalent of 20 percent of the nation’s overall energy use, and far more of that is wasted energy. Inefficient homes allow heat to escape, and then need air conditioning to run longer than it should, with appliances hogging more electricity. Efficiency can bring down energy usage dramatically.
As well as slashing emissions, efficient homes eliminate pollutants that threaten air and water quality. Here are ways an energy-efficient home helps the environment:
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions: Using less energy means power plants burn fewer fossil fuels like coal and natural gas.
- Reduced air pollution: Burning fewer fossil fuels means fewer harmful particles and chemicals are released into the air.
- Cleaner water: Less pollution from power plants means fewer toxins enter waterways and soil.
- Better public health: Cleaner air leads to fewer respiratory problems and other health issues in communities.
- Encourages sustainable growth: As more people invest in energy efficiency, demand rises for renewable energy and eco-friendly building materials.
And by making changes at home, you can also inspire your community. And as the masses increasingly embrace energy-saving measures, the market for renewables and sustainable building materials is expanding. It creates this virtuous cycle that just promotes innovation and drives costs down for everyone. In a few words, saving energy is a simple yet effective way to save the planet for tomorrow.
