A home's energy use depends on how the home is constructed as well as the type of heating and cooling systems and other appliances in the home.
The following are the home construction features that will make the biggest impact on reducing energy use:
- Better Insulation: Improved insulation not only keeps out excessive outside heat or cold, but also maintains even temperatures between and across rooms. Your heating and cooling system will use less energy.
- Energy Efficient Windows: High-performance windows can reduce heating and cooling energy use reducing heat loss in cooler climates and heat gain in warmer climates. With energy efficient windows, your house loses less heat in winter and absorbs less heat in summer.
- Tightly Sealed Ducts: In typical homes, duct leakage rates are as high as 20-30 percent. Much of this leakage is into unoccupied space such as an attic or basement. This means unnecessary money is being spent to heat or cool your home. Duct systems should be sealed and verified by a field test to reduce these leaks.
- Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling System: An energy efficient and properly sized heating and cooling system can result in very significant savings on energy bills. Homes with high efficiency systems may be saving as much as 20 percent by comparison.
Energy-efficient APS ENERGY STAR® Homes are designed and built to conserve energy and save you money.
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