Energy Efficiency

Residential

In 2005, the average household spent almost $1,900 on home energy bills.  You can save 10% - 50% each year by making smart energy choices and improving the efficiency of your home.

Examples of residential energy efficiency opportunities include installing:
  • Compact Fluorescent Lighting
  • EnergyStar appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer)
  • High-efficiency air conditioners
  • High-efficiency furnaces
  • High-efficiency hot water heater
  • Low-emissivity, double or triple pane windows
  • Thicker insulation
  • Insulation of hot water pipes
  • Solar water heater
  • Electric heat pump
  • Low-flow showerheads
  • Faucet aerators
  • Occupancy sensors
  • Sealing duct leaks
While purchasing or installing any of the products listed above will greatly benefit the energy efficiency of your home, there are also several energy conserving actions that will help you save energy and money.  Some of these include:
  • Turning your hot water heater down to 120 degrees
  • Regularly replacing your air filters
  • Setting your thermostat to no lower than 68 degrees in the summer and no higher than 62 degrees in the winter
  • Set your computer to Sleep or Hibernate
  • Turn off lights in rooms not in use
The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy has a Home Energy Checklist for Action that can put you and your home on the right path.  The Natural Resources Defense Council also has some good suggestions with their Easy Energy-Saving Habits.

Energy Audit

One of the best actions you can take to help understand and improve your home’s energy use is to have an energy audit.  Several NCSEA business members perform this key service that will show you how your home is energy inefficient and what you can do to begin using energy more efficiently.  To find out who services your area, please visit our Business Member Directory.

Energy Star Homes

One of the best times to purchase energy efficient products is in the process of moving into a new home. With this in mind the federal government has created the Energy Star Homes program. Energy Star homes are certified to use 30% less electricity use than standard home while costing little more than a standard efficiency home. Energy Star Homes save homeowners money—about $200 to $400 per year on utility bills. More importantly, these savings can easily exceed any additional mortgage cost for the energy efficiency improvements, resulting in a positive cash-flow from the first day of home ownership.

The benefits of an energy efficient home extend beyond the reduced energy consumption and resulting savings on utility bills. Because Energy Star homes retain heat in the winter and cool air in the summer better than conventional homes, they tend to be more comfortable and livable. Likewise, efficient heating and cooling systems will help reduce the over-heating or cooling of a building.

New homes are not the only homes that can qualify as Energy Star homes.  Several of NCSEA’s business members will come and test your home to determine if it qualifies for Energy Star.  Please visit our Business Member Directory to find out who services your area.

If your home qualifies as an Energy Star home, there are also rate discounts for some residential areas in North Carolina.  

For more information on Residential Energy Efficiency and Green Building, please see our Green Building section on the website.