Common Energy-Efficient Home Improvement Recommendations

While your Home Performance contractor will develop a specific plan for your home, commonly recommended improvements for an energy-efficient home include:

Sealing Air Leaks and Adding Insulation

Would you walk outside on a cold day with your jacket unzipped? Air sealing your home is like zipping up your jacket.

Sealing air leaks will make your home more comfortable and significantly reduce your energy bills.

Many air leaks in homes are fairly obvious:

• Windows
• Doors
• Electrical outlets

But other areas are even MORE significant sources of energy loss:

• Attics
• Basements
• Recessed light fixtures

Along with air sealing, your contractor may recommend that you add insulation to improve home energy efficiency. Many older homes are not well-insulated, and some have no insulation at all. Even new homes frequently have improperly installed or missing insulation.

Properly installed insulation in walls, floors, and attics:

• Evens out temperatures throughout the house
• Results in a quieter, more comfortable living environment that is easier to heat and cool
• Yields significant cost savings as compared to improperly or non-insulated areas

Air sealing must always be done before insulating. For more information on insulating and air sealing, please visit:

		Insulation 101
		Types of Insulation
		Installing Your Insulation

Improving Ductwork

Many homes have leaky ductwork and poor air flow, resulting in stuffy and uncomfortable rooms—regardless of the thermostat setting. Sealing and insulating ductwork can help solve this problem.

The Home Performance contractor may recommend the following energy-efficient home improvements:

• Sealing ducts with mastic, durable foil-backed tape, or aerosol-based sealant
• Insulating ductwork in attics, crawlspaces and unconditioned basements
• Balancing the duct system to optimize air flow to all rooms

For more information on duct sealing, please visit:

		Duct Sealing

Improving Home Heating and Cooling Systems

If your furnace or air conditioner is more than 10 years old, your contractor may recommend that you replace it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR label. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency units can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs.

When it comes to heating and cooling equipment, bigger is not always better. A properly-sized unit will make your home more comfortable by providing more consistent temperatures and better humidity control.

For more information on heating and cooling systems in your home, please visit:

		How to Heat and Cool Your Home Efficiently

Upgrading to Energy-Efficient Lighting and Appliances

Energy used for lighting and appliances can account for half of your home's total utility bill. As a result, a Home Performance contractor may recommend ENERGY STAR qualified products, such as energy-efficient:

• Refrigerators
• Dishwashers
• Clothes washers
• Light fixtures
• Compact fluorescent bulbs

An energy and water-efficient hot water heating system may also be recommended.

Adding Renewable Energy Solutions

To further reduce your utility bills, your contractor may also recommend adding renewable energy systems such as:

• Solar electric (photovoltaic)
• Solar hot water
• Ground source heat pump
• Small wind turbine

Typical Results