Fall Into Energy Savings

Grab your pumpkin-spiced latte and your coziest sweater because the start of fall is officially here. This is a favorite time of year for many, but it can also be a time when utility bills increase as your family spends more time indoors. The great news is that you can make energy choices that count for you and the climate all season long.

Top Three Ways to Save Energy this Fall

• Rule Your Attic: Did you know that 9 out of 10 homes in the U.S. are under-insulated? Air that leaks through your home’s envelope − the outer walls, windows, doors, and other openings − wastes a lot of energy and increases your utility costs. A well-sealed envelope, coupled with the right amount of insulation, can make a real difference on your utility bills. Homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and basements.
• Get Smart about your Thermostat: Did you know? Almost half of the average household energy bill goes to heating and cooling. That is more than $900 a year! The more you spend on heating and cooling, the more you could save with an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat. Homes with high heating and cooling bills can save up to $100 a year.
• Consider Highly Efficient Heat Pump Technology: From heat pump water heaters to air-source heat pump HVAC systems, an investment in heat pump technology is a win-win for the climate and your wallet.
  • Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH): As the weather gets cooler, the last thing you want is for your water heater to break down and leave you without hot water. If it is time to replace your unit, consider a certified heat pump water heater. ENERGY STAR certified HPWHs can save a household of 4 approximately $320 per year on its electric bills compared to a standard electric water heater and more than $3,400 over the HPWH’s lifetime. Bonus: with available rebates and a $300 federal tax credit, this is the perfect time to invest in this super-efficient technology!
  • Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP): Ready to take your HVAC system to new energy-saving levels? An ENERGY STAR certified ASHP can provide heating for approximately 1/3 the cost of traditional electric baseboard heating, depending on where you live, and approximately 1/2 the cost of oil heat. An ASHP is so efficient it can deliver up to three times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it consumes.