10 Energy Saving Home Features
Building efficiency right into your home is a choice that will reap you benefits for years to come. But how do you know which measures you should invest in and where to begin? Xcel Energy Minnesota asked local builders and made a list to make your life easy. These are the top ten energy efficient features builders recommend.
1. Know the Home’s HERS Score
Get an independent third party test to determine the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index Score. Services like the Residential Energy Service Network (RESNET) will provide suggestions to your builder throughout the construction process and will offer tips on how to improve the overall efficiency of the home and help achieve the lowest score possible. Things they might suggest include caulking at door or window framing, proper installation of insulation, checking ductwork and more. Xcel Energy’s ENERGY STAR® New Homes program involves third party consulting and testing as part of the program to ensure the home is built as efficiently as possible.
2. Get the Right Heating and Cooling System
A high efficiency system that includes a variable speed furnace will save you energy and money. Also, zoned HVAC systems will help keep every room the temperature you want.
3. Install a Programmable Thermostat
This small but useful item is worth every penny. You can set the home temperature back 7-8 degrees when you’re sleeping or away to save energy. Many have several settings for different days of the week. Set it and forget it.
4. Choose Tight Construction
Controlling air movement to unconditioned areas can save you up to 20 percent of your heating and cooling costs. Air sealing can do many things: improve the overall comfort of your home, help control humidity levels, and lower the chance of ice dams on the roof.
5. Seal and Insulate Duct Work
Tightly-sealed and well-insulated ducts keep you more comfortable and increase the energy efficiency of your home. Sealing also helps improve indoor air quality by reducing the risk of dust, moisture, pollen, pests and noise from entering the ducts and circulating throughout your home.
6. Choose Efficient Doors
Consider fiberglass doors that have the beauty and look of wood but are well insulated and less drafty. Again, look for ENERGY STAR® models and don’t forget to seal around them to prevent air leaks.
7. Choose Energy Star Windows
ENERGY STAR certified windows, doors and skylights can reduce your energy bills up to 15 percent. ENERGY STAR’s web site houses a five step process to ensure your windows, doors and skylights deliver savings and comfort. Start with choosing a climate zone to make sure the window you purchase can handle Minnesota’s cold temperatures.
8. Choose Energy Star Appliances
A new ENERGY STAR® qualified refrigerator uses less energy than a 60-watt light bulb. ENERGY STAR® dishwashers and clothes washers use a third of the energy and water and require one third of the soap.
9. Opt for High-Efficiency Faucets and Shower Heads
Faucets that use a maximum of 1.5 gallons per minute can reduce a sink’s water flow by 30 percent or more from the standard flow of 2.2 gallons per minute without sacrificing performance. Also, if you have a 2.5 gallon-per-minute (low-flow) showerhead, a 7-minute shower will use less water than a full bath.
10. Install LED Lighting
LED lighting provides bright, warm light while using 75 percent less energy, generating 70 percent less heat and lasting up to ten times longer than standard lighting.
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Did you know that over 60% of the homes on the Fall Parade of Homes Tour have a HERS score, meaning they have been energy tested by a third party rating system? Tour these homes here >>