Energy Efficient Remodeling
Remodeling is a great opportunity to improve your home because doing it right will reap the benefits of health, saftey, comfort and energy efficiency at minimal additional cost or inconvenience.
Kitchen Remodeling
To save money and energy year after year when remodeling your kitchen:
Install ENERGY STAR labeled appliances (e.g., refrigerators, dishwashers, and clothes washers)
Install ENERGY STAR- labeled lighting (e.g., light fixtures: suspended lights, ceiling-mounted lights, cabinet lights, recessed lights, and compact fluorescent bulbs)
If your remodeling plans include opening walls you could improve your comfort and the energy efficiency of your home by adding insulation and air sealing. If you are replacing the windows, doors, and skylights, install those with the ENERGY STAR label to make your kitchen the most energy efficient on the block.
Replacing Windows
Iif you are planning to replace your windows because of maintenance or aesthetic reasons, make the most of the opportunity and consider ENERGY STAR Home Sealing. You'll get new windows, comfort, and energy cost savings.
ENERGY STAR labeled windows, doors, and skylights are twice as efficient as the average windows manufactured just 10 years ago. They help cut your heating and cooling costs and can make your home more comfortable without compromising cost, comfort, versatility, or style. These high-performing windows are available in every operator type, including single- and double-hung, casement, horizontal slider, fixed, picture, and patio slider. And, they are manufactured with most common frame materials, including aluminum, fiberglass, vinyl, and wood.
Bathroom Remodeling
Controlling moisture in the bathroom is easy and cannot only make the room healthier and last longer, but can save you money and energy.
Install properly sized ENERGY STAR labeled ventilation fans to control moisture in the air while you shower or bathe. By removing moist air and drying out your bathroom, a ventilation fan helps prevent mold and mildew.
An easy way to make your bathroom more energy efficient is to install ENERGY STAR labeled lighting (e.g., Light Fixtures: suspended lights, ceiling-mounted lights, cabinet lights, recessed lights, or compact fluorescent bulbs).
The walls behind tubs or showers are often poorly insulated and air-sealed. Opening these walls as part of the remodeling project provides an opportunity to ensure comfort by sealing air leaks with caulk or expanding foam and installing insulation. Also make sure to air seal around plumbing and electrical penetrations.
If you are replacing windows, doors, and skylights, consider those with the ENERGY STAR label. New technologies in the glass and frame systems help make your home more comfortable, and lower heating and cooling costs too.
Basement Remodeling
Did you know that the time you spend in your finished basement can be healthier, more comfortable, and more energy efficient if you consider the following steps:
Improve the indoor air quality by correcting any damp basement problems and testing for radon before you begin the project to save money.
Seal air leaks and install vapor retarders and insulation.
Wrap your water heater and six feet of piping to save energy.
Consider installing an ENERGY STAR labeled heating and cooling system, when replacing your existing system.
Seal your ducts in unconditioned spaces are properly sealed.
Consider installing ENERGY STAR labeled lighting to save money and energy, no matter what the space will be used for.
Install ENERGY STAR labeled windows, doors, and skylights to save money and energy and increase your comfort.
Make sure the dryer is properly ventilated if your laundry room is in the basement. Consider a clothes washer with the ENERGY STAR abel for optimum cleaning that uses less water and energy to operate.
If your remodeled basement will include a Home Office, look for the ENERGY STAR label when choosing computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers, scanners, and multi-function devices. Also, verify that your home PC is using its power management capabilities. A screen saver does not save energy, but an enabled ENERGY STAR labeled monitor will conserve energy by going blank after a preset period of inactivity. If you are adding a Home Entertainment system in your basement, look for the ENERGY STAR label on TVs, VCRs, and combination units, DVD and home audio products, and other electronics. Typically, these items use almost the same amount of energy whether off or on, but ENERGY STAR labeled home electronics power down to require only a few watts when turned off.
Home Office Remodeling
Did you know that incandescent lights and inefficient office equipment create substantial waste heat? This added heat could make the temperature in your office uncomfortable and increase your cooling costs. To reduce cooling costs and save energy:
Look for the ENERGY STAR label when choosing computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers, scanners, and multifunction devices.
Make sure your home PC is using its power management capabilities. A screen saver does not save energy, but an enabled ENERGY STAR labeled monitor will conserve energy by going blank after a preset period of inactivity.
Incorporate ENERGY STAR qualified lighting to reduce eyestrain and save money. Replace existing bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs that burn less hot than halogens or incandescent bulbs and use less energy to operate.
Attic Conversions
Make your attic a comfortable and energy-efficient living space? Prescription Checklist:
Control air leakage throughout the house by air sealing the attic space.
Keep your new attic space comfortable and energy efficient by insulating the walls and ceilings.
If you are replacing windows, doors, and skylights, install those with the ENERGY STAR label to save money and energy while increasing your comfort.
To brighten up your attic space select ENERGY STAR light fixtures: suspended lights, ceiling-mounted lights, cabinet lights, recessed lights, or compact fluorescent bulbs.
