Factoring in energy efficiency measures can help you make informed decisions to meet your energy needs.
Appliances
Appliance use makes up a significant portion of your electric bill. Replacing older appliances with ENERGY STAR-rated appliances is a choice that may be more expensive up front but could reduce your annual energy costs.
If a refrigerator was built in 2000 or earlier, a new ENERGY STAR-certified model will cost more up front but may use just half the electricity. Also, ENERGY STAR-certified dishwashers are about 12% more efficient than non-certified models.
Windows
Windows can be a major draw. They let in light and provide views. However, they also can be a major energy drain. Old or inefficient windows can let cold air encroach in winter and conditioned air escape in summer. Windows strongly influence the effectiveness of your home’s most basic energy services – heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation – which together account for about two-fifths of a building’s energy use.
When shopping for a living space, look for double-paned windows with “low-e” coatings. And check for weatherstripping, which helps seal in your home’s climate. If it’s much warmer or colder outside when you are inspecting a living space, run your hand around the window edges to feel for air leaks—hot air coming through in summer or cold air in winter may signal higher energy bills ahead.
Ventilation and heat from the sun can make a significant impact on your home’s energy efficiency. If your windows are letting in too much hot air in summer, your central air conditioner is going to work much harder to cool your home. If they’re letting in too much cold air in winter, your furnace will work harder, as well.
Insulation
Properly installed insulation in walls, floors, and attics helps keep your home comfortable in any season. Finding out if the insulation meets most recent building codes and whether the building envelope is well-sealed can help you compare the comfort of future living spaces you’re considering.
R-Value is the thermal resistance measurement used for insulation, indicating its resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the better the protection against heat and cold. Be sure to check the insulation levels in any home you are considering.