E is for Energy Effcient
E is for Energy Efficient
You can have the newest most modern home on the block, but if it’s not equipped with energy saving technologies, you’re behind the times. No need to fret, there are many simple, affordable and stylish steps you can take to make your home more energy efficient. Go green while saving some green.
Programmable Thermostats
Programmable Thermostats, are one of the easiest ways save energy around the home. Programmable thermostats are better than the traditional ones because they allow you to set heating or cooling settings based on the season or whether the house is being occupied. Also, according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “The average household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy bills. Homeowners can save about $180 a year by properly setting their programmable thermostats and maintaining those settings.” So what can you do with that saved money, use it to frame some of your favorite pictures and conceal your thermostat!
Low-Emitting (Low-E) Glass Coatings
I had never heard of Low-E lighting until my mother mentioned it as a way for us to save money when we built our home. Curious, I searched the internet to find what Low-E glass coating is; I could not agree more with the fact that these are great energy and money savers too. According to Askthebuilder.com here is how Low-E window coating works exactly. “Sunlight contains visible light, UV light, and infrared (IR) light. Visible light enables us to see things. Ultraviolet light damages your skin, wood, fabrics, and causes colors to fade. Infrared light is basically heat. Low E glass has the ability to allow visible light to pass while blocking certain amounts of UV light and IR light. The infrared light in sunlight is powerful. When it strikes an object it heats it up. These objects can be your tile floors, furniture, sidewalks, patio furniture, etc. As these objects cool off, they emit a low powered form of IR light. Low-E glass reflects this form of energy. In the summer this helps to keep your house cooler, as the heat from objects outside is kept outside. In the winter, all objects in your home are heated (by either the sun or your furnace). This heat is also bounced back into your house by the Low-E glass.”
Energy Star Appliances
I know many of us have heard or seen Energy Star appliances in local hardware stores, but what exactly does the energy star name mean for an appliance and your home? Energy efficient choices can save families about a third on their energy bill with similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions, without sacrificing features, style or comfort (the kitchen below features all energy star appliances).
Radiant Heating
The last addition to a home for increased efficiency is Radiant Floor Heating. This method of heating involves heating a space directly from the floor. Installation of Radiant Heating allows for more efficient heating because no energy is lost within the air ducts as it would be in forced air heating. It is also a great choice in the home because these systems can be heated using anything from gas, wood, solar, water and even wind power. This variety makes it easy to find the right fit for any room in your home.
What energy efficient means are you using in your home?
We’re inspiring creativity,
Ricci
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