How To Have a Cost and Energy Efficient Home

Introduction, Purpose, Rationale, Target Audience and Layout of the Book

Renewable energy, energy efficiency and cost savings have been so front-of-mind lately and will increasingly get attention, as we move into the future, countries develop and refine their economic growth and expansion, increase their demand and needs.

Add to this our limited resources and a global economy that relies heavily on electricity, fuel and other resources to exist and thrive.

The ‘how to,’ practical focus of this book, will take you through some theoretical and practical aspects of making your home/business MORE cost and energy efficient.

YOU CAN MAKE SOME WISE(R) CHOICES WHEN IT COMES TO SMART ENERGY, COST SAVINGS AND OTHER RELATED EFFICIENCIES IN OUR HOMES.

With an eye on the future constantly, doing things a little differently and more efficiently are and will very much be a part and reality of future and forms part of the push for improvement and conservation or the environment prevalent in our cultures and society.

There is increasing demand for limited resources and we are left with not only the challenge of coming up with new ideas, to substitute for older, obsolete or less efficient methods, environmental pollution, greenhouse gasses but also unearthing and optimizing alternative sources of energy for example.

House Energy And Cost Efficiency Defined

- What Is It
- Why Does It Matter
- What Are The Options Open To Homeowners To Conserve And Save

Here are some interesting facts and perspectives on cost and energy conservation at the residential level:

- Low-income households spend nearly 14% of their total annual income on energy.
- Other households spend only 3.5% of their annual income, on average, on energy.
- Low-income families often cut back on other necessities to pay their energy bills

These methods help to effectively do TWO things:

- Reduce home energy consumption
- Lower energy bills.

Wouldn’t you like to take full advantage of what these opportunities have to offer?

- Primary heating fuel reduction
- Alleviates energy burden on limited resources
- Long-term relief for lower income families and needy individuals (especially those who cannot afford it or live below the poverty line)
- Protection against later or future price fluctuations for energy provision, products, supplies and services
- Reap energy-related benefits and MORE hard-earned cash in your pocketbook on a monthly basis!

How To Achieve Cost And Energy Efficient Homes

Regardless of whether you are motivated by the looming energy crisis and ever-increasing costs of energy or more personal reasons, convictions or incentive, achieving cost and energy efficient homes (aside from building new – not an option for all of us!), are small changes, adjustment, repairs and installations, maintenance and adaptability, to save dollars and energy effectively!

You can find ways to incorporate alternative energy sources and technologies in and around your home.

Here are some of the newer features custom-built into homes, optimizing cost-effectiveness of architectural designs. If you are renovating consider your options carefully, like skylights, new windows, roof etc.

Water-heater temperature: Especially if you do have children in the house, turn the warmer setting down somewhat to the recommended 120 degrees F (safe and saves money!).

Cover water-beds as they will be insulated that way.

All major appliances have some energy settings (refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers) – utilize them.

Use compact fluorescents (CFLs) and low energy bulb replacements to cut down on electricity consumption and waste.

Upgrade old energy-guzzlers in your home (refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, furnace, A/C and others). Look for the energy efficient symbols and endorsements.

You can make it a top priority of your very own to make your own, your community, family, friends, neighbors all pitch in to do their part in saving money, energy, environment and more.

There cost and energy saving tips, secrets, recommendations and techniques, also result in adding home comfort, improve the air we breathe indoors, reduce damage caused by water, wind, snow and other extreme natural forces! Protects, secure, minimize damage, lower utility bills, and save energy. It is a worthwhile effort.

Here are examples of how different things in and around your home, some of your attentive TLC and inspections, choices and decisions, maintenance, repair and more can help you be cost, budget, savings and energy conscious – all at the same time.

When basement wall insulation done well, for example that is not so commonly known, as some of the measures already mentioned, it can save you money (and energy).

A well-insulated ceiling

- Adds comfort
- Blocks outdoor noise
- Deals well with seasonal and extreme weather realities, threats and challenges
- Fire-safety contributions
- Helps minimize uncomfortable drafts
- Lowers the risk of frozen water pipes
- Reduces heat loss through structure
- Reduces moisture-related problems, issues and concerns, even damage (outdoor and indoor)
- Reduces the likelihood of ice forming in attics or “ice dams” on top of the roof – minimizes roof damage

- Remains comfortable longer during power outages

A crawlspace has to well-designed, in good condition and not contributing to any discomfort, added cost or energy waste

Your approach to making your home more energy and cost efficient, should start with the right attitude and aptitude, knowledge, know how, what to look for, how to find and identify it and then act and do the RIGHT THINGS RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!

In short… when you want to conserve and save energy and dollars as a home-owner, while making the home more efficient *especially if it is a much older home, renovated (recently or not), even new, still off-plan or in progress… YOU WANT TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS THAT COUNT AND MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD.