Here are examples of how different things in and around your home, some of your attentive TLC and inspections, choices and decisions, maintenance, repair and more can help you be cost, budget, savings and energy conscious - all at the same time.
When basement wall insulation done well it can save you money (and energy). Here are some examples of how a well insulated basement can benefit you:
- A preventative measure
- Blocking outdoor noise sources.
- Buffers and shelters your home against high outside temperatures in summer and cold temperatures in winter
- Deals effectively with humidity or precipitation
- Energy cost savings
- Indoor sources of moisture (people, showers, cooking,) and their effects are mitigated
- Limit mold build up and/or moisture damage
- Lower the risk of frozen water pipes
- Minimize uncomfortable drafts
- More comfortable
- No moisture problems
- Protection against water pipe breakage
- Quieter
- Reduce moisture-related problems
- Surface temperature of walls will stay closer to the desired room temperature
- Walls are warmer to the touch in winter
Efficient central air conditioners may make all the difference in the world as well. Some states or provinces have programs where you can get a rebate for an old one when installing a more energy efficient A/C system into your home. A green and efficient air conditioner can benefit you in the following ways:
- Better control systems that improve the humidity and/or temperature control.
- Control mold and mildew
- Easier to maintain
- ENERGY STAR® label - outdoor condensing unit quieter.
- High-efficiency units
- More visually attractive
- Operate more quietly
- Properly sized for
- Reduce humidity
- Reduces energy consumption
Another factor that can make a big change in home energy efficiency is a well-insulated ceiling.
- Adds comfort
- Blocks outdoor noise
- Deals well with seasonal and extreme weather realities, threats and challenges
- Fire-safety contributions
- Helps minimize uncomfortable drafts
- Lowers the risk of frozen water pipes
- Reduces heat loss through structure
- Reduces moisture-related problems, issues and concerns, even damage (outdoor and indoor)
- Reduces the likelihood of ice forming in attics or "ice dams" on top of the roof - minimizes roof damage
- Remains comfortable longer during power outages
Pipes will not freeze of well insulated and not exposed (especially in unheated areas), well sealed ducts improve the flow and temperature of the air delivered to rooms and adds comfort year-round.
Other checklist items for you to pay close attention to as you go about thinking about conserving energy, cutting consumption, boosting efficiencies and saving money and resources, include:
- Boiler Pipe Insulation
- Efficient LPG-fired Water Heaters
- Efficient Oil-fired Water Heaters
- Electric Water Heaters
- Floor Insulation
- Gas Furnaces
- Gas Water Heater
- Heat Pumps
- LPG Furnaces
- Oil Furnaces
- Programmable Thermostats
- Refrigerators
- Replacing Your Electric Furnace and CAC with a Heat Pump
- Room Air Conditioners
- Sealing Home Air Leaks
- Upgraded Wall Insulation
- Windows
Your approach to making your home more energy and cost efficient, should start with the right attitude and aptitude, knowledge, know how, what to look for, how to find and identify it and then act and do the right things right the first time!
In short, when you want to conserve and save energy and dollars as a home-owner, while making the home more efficient, especially if it is a much older home, renovated (recently or not), even new, or in progress. You want to make the right decisions that count and make all the difference in the world.
