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Making an Impact at Home

 

The possibilities for reducing your home’s impact on the environment are endless and can easily add up to both save you money and improve the comfort of your home.
 
The Energy Information Administration estimates that household energy use is responsible for about one-fifth of the total energy consumed in the United States each year.  The average U.S. family spends almost $1,500 a year on utility bills, and unfortunately much of this energy is not put to use. Heat can escape from your home through drafty windows, doors, attics, and walls. Improving your home's energy efficiency doesn't just save money; better insulation, for example, reduces uncomfortable drafts, and double-pane windows make for a quieter home. 
 
Explore the these pages to find tips that will help you improve your home’s energy efficiency, save you money and make your house a better home. 

 
Heating

Heating generally accounts for 35-50% of annual energy costs in colder parts of the country and is often the largest energy expense in our homes. Read More
Cooling

Energy consumption for home air conditioning accounts for almost 5% of all the electricity produced in the U.S. and costs homeowners over $11 billion annually, emitting roughly 100 million tons of carbon dioxide. Read More
Lighting

The U.S. spends about one-quarter of its electricity on lighting at a cost of more than $37 billion annually. Read More
Water at Home

The average household spends as much as $500 per year on its water and sewer bill. Read More
Using Appliances

Home appliances can add to or detract from a home's overall energy-efficiency. Read More
New Construction

Before you design a new home or remodel an existing one, you should consider investing in its energy-efficiency- you'll save energy and money in the long run. Read More

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