What is an energy-efficient home?
Any home can be more energy-efficient
Any home, no matter when it was built, can be energy-efficient. Modern construction standards demand greater energy efficiency in new homes, but older homes can be upgraded to improve their energy performance. And the people living in these homes can be energy-efficient in their habits, too.
An energy-efficient home is…
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“A house that uses energy efficiently is a happy home.”
A cutaway of the house showing features that makes a home energy efficient: airtight construction pointing to the outside walls; high-performing ENERGY STAR certified windows pointing to the window in the bedroom; air sealing (e.g. around windows, doors, electrical outlets, vents) pointing to the door in the living room; LED or ENERGY STAR certified lighting pointing to the light in the kitchen; ENERGY STAR certified appliances (e.g. fridge, clothes washer and dryer) pointing to the fridge in the kitchen; high-performing or ENERGY STAR equipment (e.g, furnace, AC, water heater) pointing to the furnace in the basement; and better insulation (e.g. walls, attic, basement) pointing to the cutaway of the wall in the basement.
Cost-effective
It’s got a great EnerGuide rating. That means it’s well insulated and airtight, with high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment that helps keep utility bills low. It’s outfitted with low-flow accessories to lower water consumption and water-heating costs. The people living in this home keep inside temperatures reasonable, use electricity wisely and buy ENERGY STAR® certified products and appliances.
Comfortable and healthy
It’s warm in winter, cool in summer and free of drafts. The home has great ventilation and excellent air quality; it’s never too humid or dry. The people living there use a programmable thermostat to manage heating and cooling at night and when they’re away.
Always adding value
This home’s fixtures and upgrades show a commitment to energy efficiency that adds resale value. Newer windows and doors, and high-efficiency lighting and appliances not only save money and energy, they also look great to buyers. And investments in renewable energy like solar panels can pay off for years to come.
Kind to the environment
All the efficient features and elements work together to lower energy consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and shrink the home’s carbon footprint.
Learn how you can make your home more energy-efficient.
Take charge of your home’s energy performance with an EnerGuide energy efficiency home evaluation.
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