Inexpensive Homeowner Energy Retrofits

Inexpensive Homeowner Energy Retrofits

I know energy retrofits are on the minds of many consumers today. While the awareness is growing, many consumers are not sure what "green" really means when it comes to energy conservation for the home. For most, green means "earth friendly," lessening the environmental impact from society, but when it comes to the home there are more energy benefits to be realized.

There is a set of core principles people should consider practicing for resource efficiency and conservation in the home. Outside the home, driving fuel-efficient cars and choosing to ride a bicycle in leisure time or for personal use instead of driving to a location are just a couple of ways we can all practice conservation. Inside the home, retrofitting is a good idea because the median age of residential housing units in the United States is around 25 years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau setting up outdated energy efficiency.

There is a green awareness and people are looking to incorporate green features into their homes and buyers are looking for these features when the purchase a new home.

Retrofitting, is an option for current homeowners with the least expensive impact by improving energy efficiency and IAQ (Indoor Air Quality), conserving resources, and meeting other green goals.

Here are 12 quick, easy-to-install upgrades and modifications:

1. Lighting controls such as timers, dimmers, and occupancy sensors
2. Hot water heater jackets
3. Energy Star appliances; dishwashers, refrigerators, clothes dryers
4. Duct sealing
5. Rain barrels
6. Retrofit kits for wood-burning fireplaces
7. Water filters on faucets
8. Low-flow faucets
9. Weather-stripping and caulking
10. High efficiency toilets
11. Programmable thermostats
12. CFLs

There are state rebates through local utility companies and you can find a comprehensive list through DSIRE, this website is a great resource for finding rebates on renewable and energy efficient products and appliances.