Why Is Energy Efficiency Important in Homes?

Energy efficient home pros and cons

Pros

• Cuts costs on energy bills.
• Improves the environment, especially cutting back on CO2 emissions.

Cons

• Initial expenses like buying energy efficient appliances can be expensive.
• Lifestyle changes can be hard to adjust to.

If you would like to make your home more energy-efficient or want to find out how energy efficient it is, you can learn more with home performance testing in Fort Worth, TX from ACT Home Energy Specialists. We offer a full range of home energy improvement solutions. Find out how we can help by calling 817-781-8781.

What is energy efficiency?

At ACT Home Energy Specialists, we talk a lot about energy efficiency, but what, exactly does energy efficiency mean? In broadest terms, it means you find ways of using less energy while still producing the same effect. For example, an energy efficient home will have its windows sealed with weather stripping to prevent air leaks. Or you may add insulation in your attic to better improve heat transfer in your home. Both of these efforts will put less strain on your HVAC system, and allow it to heat and cool more efficiently. It will use less energy to run and that will save money on energy bills. It will also save you on maintenance and repair costs.

What are some examples of energy efficiency?

As mentioned above, one example of energy efficiency is putting weatherstripping around your windows to seal off air leaks. Another example of energy efficiency is using LED light bulbs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs produce the same amount of light as incandescent bulbs but take less energy to do so.   

How can I make my home more energy efficient?

If you want a more energy efficient home, there are several steps you can take to make improvements. Many of these improvements can be made without putting a big dent in your wallet. Some of the things you can do include:

• Resetting the thermostat 10-15 degrees while at work can save 5-15% on utility bills annually.
• Creating a compost pile will reduce the amount of trash produced and give you a natural source of fertilizer.
• Using less water by showering rather than taking baths.
• Washing only full loads of laundry and using cold water when possible to wash.
• Replacing incandescent bulbs with LED or compact fluorescent lamps which use less energy
• Sealing windows with weatherstripping.
• Adding attic insulation.

What is the most energy efficient home?

To determine how energy efficient a home is the U.S. Department of Energy has developed the Home Energy Score rating system. It rates home energy on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the least efficient and 10 being the most efficient. These ratings measure how well your home uses energy when it comes to heating and cooling, structure, and hot water systems. This is the rating system most professional home energy auditors use to rate a home’s efficiency.  

Are energy efficient home improvements tax deductible

While in general home improvements aren’t tax deductible, if you make improvements to make your home a more energy efficient home, they may be tax deductible. When you install energy efficient equipment on your property you may qualify for a tax credit. Check with a tax professional to see if you qualify for this tax credit.

What is energy efficient home credit

The energy efficient home credit is a $2,000 tax credit that developers can claim on newly constructed residential properties such as single family homes, apartments, and townhomes. A contractor can claim all homes that qualify. To qualify a residence:

• Must be located in the U.S.
• Construction must be substantially completed after August 8, 2005.
• The building must meet certain energy saving requirements.
• Must be sold or leased as a residence before 2021.

Energy saving requirements include certification that annual level of heating and cooling is at least 50% below average annual heating and cooling levels and building envelope component units account for at least one-fifth of the 50% energy consumption reduction.