Investments For Long Term Energy Savings
Long term energy savings can be found in a number of ways. Whether you’re considering energy efficient home insulation or installing solar energy panels, you’ll likely be eligible for federal tax credits, which will enable you to make the necessary upgrades to save on your energy payments. For more information on current government programs, tax credits, grants and refunds, visit www.energy.gov or www.energystar.gov. Along with the future savings, you will also feel good about using less finite resources and taking a great step forward into the future.
Installing a programmable thermostat is one of the best ways to maximize your savings. With an Energy Star programmable thermostat, you can store and set different temperatures for different times of the day. Why bother having the house at seventy degrees if you’re asleep under your warm comforter or away from the house at work for forty-five hours a week? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “You can save around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills by simply turning our thermostat back 10°–15° for eight hours.” For maximum efficiency, your thermostat should be located away from direct sunlight, drafts, doorways, skylights and windows. You can program up to six different settings to automatically switch on throughout the day to correlate with your schedule.
You will notice dramatic energy savings if you have a heating system that needs replacing. You may be wondering, “How do I know if it’s time to replace my furnace?” According to the Department of Energy, if your heat pump or air conditioner is over 10 years old, if your boiler or furnace is over 15 years old and some rooms are too hot or too cold, if frequent repairs are needed, if energy bills are increasing, if the home has humidity problems or there is no programmable thermostat, or if the system is noisy, then it’s time for this upgrade. An Energy Star unit can save 15-20% on your heating and cooling costs, not to mention you will also qualify for government incentives.
Energy savings doesn’t have to bankrupt you. In addition to the federal government’s tax incentives and rebate programs, you can also look up your state’s energy conservation incentives at www.dsireusa.org. If you purchase any energy efficient appliances with the Energy Star label, you will likely qualify for a rebate. Visit www.energystar.gov for a list of products that apply. The Department of Energy also provides a comprehensive section on obtaining financing or mortgaging an energy efficient home at www.energysavers.gov/financial/index.cfm/mytopic=70030.