What is Energy Efficiency?

Energy efficiency refers to using less energy to achieve the same level of comfort or performance from a building or appliance. Energy efficiency is critical in reducing our overall energy demand and easing the switch to cleaner energy sources. According to the International Energy Agency, improving building performance, industrial processes and transportation could reduce the world’s energy demand in 2050 by one third.

Why Energy Efficiency Matters

Environmental Health & Sustainable Resource Use

Whether you’re concerned about climate change, air and water pollution or the building of new coal-fired power plants in Virginia, energy efficiency is one simple step to lessen your environmental footprint. Every kilowatt hour of electricity you save equates to 1.5 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions you are preventing from entering the atmosphere. With almost half of greenhouse gas emissions attributable to home energy use, every step you take to make your home more energy efficient equates to less environmental damage caused by the production and consumption of energy. By reducing our energy use, we also make it easier to satisfy our energy needs using clean and renewable sources.

Comfort

Improving the energy performance of your home can make it more comfortable – eliminating drafts, cold floors and uneven temperature gradients around the house. It can also mean better indoor air quality for you and your family. Whether you own or rent a home, check out the Top-10 No-Cost and Low-Cost Steps you can take to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient

Cost Savings

By definition, energy efficiency means getting more comfort and value from your energy dollars – wasting less energy equates to money saved. The typical Virginia household spends $1,300-$1,500 annually on household energy costs. Studies have shown that improving energy efficiency in the home can cut utility bills by as much as 30%.

Whether purchasing a home, car or appliance, it is easy to look only at the purchase price, neglecting to consider what that product will continue to cost over its useful life. In many cases, investing a bit more on an energy efficient product equates to much greater savings over the long run, sometimes even greater than the initial cost of the product. Here is one cost analysis of some common energy-related improvements.

Keep Cold Air Out

Seal leaks around doors, windows, and electrical outlets to avoid losing heat through these cracks.

Heat can escape through electrical outlets, light switches and fixtures on outside walls. Consider installing foam gaskets behind outlets and switches or install plastic security caps to reduce heat loss.

Remove window air conditioners for the winter. If they cannot be removed, seal around them with caulking or tape and cover them with an airtight, insulated jacket.

Use Appliances Efficiently

If your water heater surface is hot or even warm, energy used to heat the water is being wasted. If you never run out of hot water, then you’ve probably set your hot water thermostat too high. Reset it between 110-120 degrees. Wrap your water heater in an insulating blanket. Check user manual and labels on the tank first.

Make sure heating vents aren’t blocked by furniture or drapes and the dampers are open. Vacuum out dust and pet hair from warm air registers and cold air returns so your furnace runs more efficiently.

Invest Wisely in Home Improvements

Thinking of replacing your furnace? Consider getting one rated 90% or higher in efficiency. Replacing your old furnace can save up to 30% on heating costs.

If you’re building a new home or remodeling, place the water heater as close as possible to the kitchen, laundry room and bathrooms. Heat is lost as it moves through pipes, so the closer the unit is to these rooms, the more money you save.

Invest Wisely in Home Improvements

For a minimal cost, you can upgrade the insulation in your exterior walls, crawlspace, basement and attic. Insulation may come in batts or as loose fill that can be blown into hard-to-reach places.

If you have single-pane windows, add storm windows to cut heat loss by up to 50%, or replace with energy-efficient double-pane windows with inert argon gas fill, warm-edge spacers and low-e coating.

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