Energy consumption has been on the rise all over the world for the past 30 years. With average utility costs within the US ranging from $1900- $2400 per year for a home owner, more people are beginning to examine their choices for creating a more energy efficient home. These are ten top upgrades you should consider to help make your home more comfortable and reduce your utility bill:
- Air seal your attic and then add insulation; add ventilation to keep house cool in summer
- Install vapor & air barriers and insulate crawl spaces and basements
- Seal leaky ducts in the crawl space, basement, and attic
- Improve air quality by installing efficient ventilation and heat recovery systems
- Reduce excessive moisture and mold potential
- Stop drafts through leaky windows and doors
- Replace windows and doors for greater comfort and ease of operation, regulating solar gain, dust & allergen control, and increasing security
- Recommend and install energy efficient options for water heater, furnace, or AC replacement, with air & water filtration as desired
- Install a whole-house ventilation system
- Recommend and install renewable energy systems for electricity and hot water
Even the smallest changes can begin to impact your energy bill. Energy rebates and tax credits can help reduce the overall cost for these investments in your home., these upgrades may even be less expensive than traditional remodeling efforts.