GREENVILLE Blog

6 Home Improvements from ENERGY STAR Partners Near Greenville

Are you struggling to find new ways to cut back on your energy costs every year? Homeowners are constantly faced with climbing rates without catching a break on their utility and electricity bills. The biggest concern with taking shortcuts to reduce spending is that your safety and comfort could be impacted, especially during harsh weather throughout the year.

When looking for ways to maintain a livable environment without depleting your wallet, the best course of action is to look local. Koala Insulation of Greenville is an ENERGY STAR® Partner, working with other local partners to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as energy bills. There are many different areas in your home that contribute to energy waste, higher utility and energy costs, and discomfort. Here are some solutions that are both cost-effective and energy-efficient.

6 ENERGY STAR Upgrades To Improve Your Home

Heating & Cooling System

Energy-efficient heat pumps are the first target in reducing costs since they're more effective than furnaces or boilers. These systems are responsible for about a third of the energy used in your home each year. When you're trying to reduce the impact of drastic temperatures in your home during summer or winter, this can significantly increase.

Since heat pumps help year-round with both heating and cooling needs, the strain on your home's system is lessened without sacrificing comfort and safety. A newer unit improves your return on investment opportunities in more ways than just cutting down on your monthly bills. For those who are looking to the future, these are also a quality purchase if you're looking to attract potential buyers when you put your house on the market.

Water Heater

The second-highest energy user in a house is typically the water heater. Tankless or solar-powered water heaters are upgrades that reduce energy waste because they're designed to run more efficiently and use more energy-efficient resources.

An energy-efficient model that falls under the ENERGY STAR recommendations can help save your household about $300 on energy bills each year. For example, a tankless water heater can save up to 34% more energy by providing on-demand heat, rather than storing gallons of unused heated water like other traditional water heaters. These kinds of energy-conserving changes don't impact the abilities of your systems and instead, provide a better experience for your environment.

Insulation

According to industry research, updated insulation in U.S. homes reduces heating and cooling expenses by 15% on a national average. The material needs to be regularly evaluated and updated in places like the attic, basement and crawl spaces, under floors, and even within walls. Effective insulation reduces the rate of heat transfer to regulate temperature and improve climate control capabilities in a building.

Keep in mind that regardless of whether your home is older or new construction, insulation wears down over time. Even if the space had quality coverage installed when the house was built, it falls under the “out of sight, out of mind” category for many homeowners and therefore goes neglected for years. Evaluations need to be scheduled regularly to check for damages, poor coverage, and general deterioration.

Air Sealing

The partner to insulation for supporting temperature regulation and climate control is proper air sealing. Air leaks are openings in your building envelope that allow outdoor air to infiltrate your home while letting cooled air or heat escape. These problematic gaps can account for up to 40% of energy wasted on heating and cooling.

Unfortunately, some people forgo quality air sealing because of the “breathable home” myth. This is the idea that sealing your home too tightly creates a “stuffy environment”. However, air sealing instead improves proper airflow, which is disrupted by air leaks in the building envelope. The ventilation systems in your home are responsible for eliminating stuffy contaminators while air sealing helps to keep those problems out in the first place.

High-Performing or Storm Windows

Air sealing is especially important in places that connect with the outdoors, like doors and windows. Sealing helps to reduce air leaks around window panes and edges while upgrading the actual window can improve your energy conservation. Older windows are responsible for drafts and air leaks and the glass contributes to problems with UV and heat.

Installing certified high-performance windows lowers energy costs by an average of 12%, depending on their location in the house. Low-emissivity coating reduces sun damage that impacts floors, carpets, and furniture; extending the lifespan and appearance of these spaces is an extra benefit to this installation. Coated glass also helps to lower heat in the house, reduce discoloration of the floor and furniture, and minimize the risk of hazards from overexposure.

Smart Thermostat

We've focused a lot on what can increase your heating and cooling expenses. This is because for the average American household, heating and cooling contribute to about half of your energy bill! While ineffective temperature regulation and high HVAC use are largely caused by insufficient insulation and air sealing, your thermostat habits are also a significant factor.

Installing a smart thermostat gives you the opportunity to schedule changes and monitor energy use throughout the year based on your habits. Homeowners spend more when they make mistakes like shifting the temperature all day, leaving the AC or heater running while out of the house, or forgetting to adjust the temperature when comfortable. Smart thermostats keep the house at a comfortable and cost-effective temperature in the most energy-efficient way possible.

ENERGY STAR Savings Are Better With Local Partners

Taking a closer look at how energy-efficient upgrades can improve your comfort, safety, and savings is a great way to kick off the new year. Instead of worrying about how your bills might impact your upcoming plans, start talking with local experts about how you can cut back on expenses without sacrificing your time and budget. Contact Koala Insulation of Greenville today to schedule your free evaluation and learn more about how you can save each month on your energy costs.