Home improvements to make your house more energy efficient

If you are planning to make upgrades on your home, now is a good time to look into the improvements that will also make it energy efficient.

Energy efficiency improvements can help homeowners save money and increase the value of their house. The average American household spends $2,000 on energy bills each year, of which $200 to $400 could be going to waste due to drafts, air leaks and outdated heating and cooling systems, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

In addition to providing financial benefits, making home energy efficiency improvements ultimately has a positive impact on the environment and aligns with our values of environmental stewardship.

Everence^® Federal Credit Union offers a 0.50% interest rate discount on a home equity loan if at least 75% of the loan is used for qualified energy-efficient home improvements. Learn more at everence.com/banking/go-green-with-everence.

How to make your home more energy efficient

The U.S. Department of Energy suggests completing a home energy evaluation, which can be done by a professional or by the homeowner. The evaluation can help specify what specific measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient. Here are some of the most recommended measures to save you energy and money:

Add insulation

Proper insulation not only reduces heating and cooling costs, but also improves comfort. Heat flows from warmer to cooler areas until there is no temperature difference. In the winter, heat flows directly from all heated living spaces in a house outdoors; in the summer, heat flows from the outdoors to the interior of the house. Insulation decreases the heat flow by providing an effective resistance.

Seal ducts and air leaks around the house

Seal leaks around floors, walls, ceilings, windows, doors and fireplaces with caulk, spray foam or weather stripping. Make sure ducts are straight and properly connected. Many systems are not properly insulated and may have gaps where air can leak out. Homes can lose up to 60% of their heated air before it reaches the register if the ducts are not insulated.

Install energy efficient windows and doors

Newer windows and doors tend to be more energy efficient, and upgrading them can help save energy and improve the comfort of one’s home. When installing new windows, look for ENERGY STAR products. ENERGY STAR is administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and is a seal of approval on energy efficiency on appliances and other household products.

Tune up or upgrade heating and cooling systems

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 43% of a home utility bill goes to heating and cooling. Proper equipment maintenance and upgrades can help homeowners cut energy use for heating and cooling by 20% to 50%.

Upgrade household appliances and electronics

Appliances account for 15% of the household’s energy consumption, with refrigerators, clothes washers and clothes dryers at the top of the consumption list. Upgrading to ENERGY STAR or ENERGY STAR Most Efficient qualified products can help homeowners save money in the long run.

While this is a short list of ideas for energy-saving upgrades, home or property owners should talk with an Everence loan officer to learn if their project qualifies for a green loan discount. Whether you are ready to apply or have more questions, stop by your nearest branch or call Everence Federal Credit Union today.