American homes lose enormous amounts of energy through air leaks, inadequate insulation, and inefficient appliances. Energy losses raise utility bills and carbon emissions, and shorten the life of heating, cooling, and other appliances. Reducing energy losses through home improvements and appliance upgrades saves thousands of dollars, lowers carbon footprints, and improves the comfort and value of a home.
To get started, run through the “Quick Fixes” button below -- the fastest, cheapest ways to reduce energy bills today! Then start planning bigger steps. A home energy assessment (see “Learn about your house”) will help prioritize improvements needed over the next ten years. In many homes, addressing inadequate insulation is a good place to start, as it will lower utility bills immediately at relatively low cost. If your HVAC system or water heater are 10-15 years old, plan to replace them before federal rebates and tax write-offs expire (2031).
Keep two important considerations in mind:
- First: High-efficiency models frequently cost more upfront, but lower operating costs plus tax write-offs and rebates may make them the more affordable option. Beware appliances with a low purchase price that will lock you into higher utility bills for the next 20 years.
- Second, electrify everything you can. By electrifying your household, you will be using cleaner, renewable energy from either solar panels on your roof or the increasingly-green grid. Your energy-related purchases -- furnace, water heater, washer and dryer, stove – either speed up or delay the clean energy economy in Johnson County and society’s chances of avoiding climate catastrophes.
To plan your energy investments, check out the US Dept of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency websites below for easily-accessible, state-of-the-art information on energy use, upgrade options, and financial incentives.
Use the links below to find more information on how to lower your energy bills now.