Energy-Efficient Products and Benefits
If you're planning to buy a new home, remember that an energy-efficient home will help you save money year after year.
Look for the following energy-efficient technologies when buying a new home.
Lighting
Lighting accounts for about 16% of a home's electricity consumption. An easy way to decrease the amount of energy consumed
by lighting in your home is to ENERGY STAR® labelled compact fluorescent lighting (CFLs).
CFLs can reduce lighting energy costs by 75% and last up to 8 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs. Providing the same light levels as incandescent bulbs, CFLs are flicker-free and instant-on. They are best suited for high-use and hard-to-reach areas such as kitchens, family rooms, hallways, foyers and porches.
Appliances
Appliances account for about 20% of the electricity used in an average home. When buying a new appliance, look for the ENERGY
STAR label to reduce your appliance energy consumption.
- ENERGY STAR labelled refrigerators are at least 10% more energy efficient than the minimum federal standard. They are better insulated and often quieter. They feature more efficient compressors, and more precise temperature settings and defrost mechanisms.
- ENERGY STAR labelled dishwashers are at least 25% more efficient than the minimum federal standard and can save up to 20% on water heating costs. They consume less hot water by using smart sensors to adjust the wash cycle to match the load, and have a more effective washing action.
- ENERGY STAR labelled clothes washers reduce overall energy usage by up to 50%. They use 35 to 50% less water than standard models, saving 14,000 to 22,000 litres of water per year. They feature higher spin speeds resulting in less drying time in the clothes dryer and have extra-large capacity, which frees space for more clothes.
Ventilation
A good ventilation system is needed to maintain proper moisture levels and air quality. ENERGY STAR labelled fans use less than half the energy of a regular fan, and are generally very quiet with low sone levels.
Heating
Heating accounts for approximately 50% of the average household's energy consumption.
- Programmable thermostats can improve comfort and save energy by turning down the heat when it's not needed. By setting the thermostat back when you are not home or overnight, you can save 5 to 10% on your annual energy bill, depending on your climate and the degree/duration of setback.
- Variable speed furnace motors can provide continuous ventilation with almost no noise or draft, are found in high-efficiency and mid-efficiency gas furnaces, and use 60 to 90% less energy by turning down the heat when it's not needed.
Windows
Up to one-third of the heat inside your home can escape through your windows. ENERGY STAR labelled windows help keep the heat
inside during the winter and the heat out in the summer. Providing an excellent long-term investment in a home, ENERGY STAR
windows are the comfortable choice.
