To enhance both your savings and your home's energy efficiency, it's best to focus initially on fortifying its outer shell – addressing the walls, windows, and doors – before addressing internal spaces. If you're uncertain about where to begin, consider reaching out to your insurance provider to inquire about available consultants who can assess your home and offer recommendations.
- Insulate the Walls and Attic: Older homes with spacious attics often suffer from air leakage due to insufficient or outdated insulation. When hiring a contractor, ensure they utilize infrared cameras during and after the installation of fiberglass, cellulose, or foam insulation to detect any voids or gaps.
- Replace or Upgrade Windows: Replacing single-glazed windows can yield significant benefits. Opting for ENERGY STAR-rated replacement windows, although typically slightly pricier, can lead to savings of approximately 12% on heating and cooling bills.
- Replace Your Old Furnace: The age of your furnace dictates the necessary action:
- For models built before 1992 with a standing pilot, consider that they may waste up to 35% of the fuel they consume. Replacing them with a condensing furnace boasting an annual efficiency of at least 90% can result in savings exceeding 25% on your utility bills.
- If your furnace was built after 1991, consult a heating service technician or energy auditor to ascertain its efficiency level.
- Improve Your Hot Water Heater’s Efficiency:
- Adjust the water heater's temperature to the warm setting.
- Insulate the hot water lines.
- Consider installing "on-demand" hot water circulating loops and low-flow fixtures.
- Change Air Filters and Tune-Up Your HVAC Equipment: Annual HVAC tune-ups can enhance system efficiency. Additionally, installing a programmable thermostat and ensuring proper sealing of all ducts can further optimize performance.
- Use Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs): CFLs offer considerable energy savings compared to incandescent bulbs, with lighting costs typically less than one-third that of traditional bulbs.
https://www.energystar.gov/products/building_products/residential_windows_doors_and_skylights
This document is advisory in nature and is offered as a resource to be used together with your professional insurance advisors in maintaining a loss prevention program. It is an overview only, and is not intended as a substitute for consultation with your insurance broker, or for legal, engineering or other professional advice.
