9 ways to make your home more energy efficient from usgbc’s greenhomeguide

USGBC Charlotte Region Chapter Build Green. Teach Green. Live Green. www.usgbccrc.org

Well-insulated Walls & Attic Effective insulation slows the rate that heat flows out

of the house in winter or into the house in summer, so less energy is required to heat or cool the house

Upgrade or Replace Windows Weather strip & add storm windows- Upgrade single pane & pay the slight premium for

Energy Star Can save 7-24% in heating/cooling costs

9 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

From USGBC’s greenhomeguide.org


Plant Shade Trees & Shrubs Deciduous trees and tall shrubs planted on home’s west side Block heat gain in summer and allow heat gain in winter Most effective for older homes without insulation or window

upgrades Replace Furnace

Built before 1992 & has standing pilot, wastes ~35% of the fuel it uses, and it is probably near the end of its service life.

ACEEE recommends early replacement w/ condensing furnace w/ annual efficiency of at least 90 percent meaning it wastes no more than 10% of the fuel used & can save ~27% on heating.




Improve Hot Water System Adjust to the warm setting (120°F). Insulate your hot water lines so they don’t cool off

as quickly between uses. Use low-flow fixtures for showers and baths. “On Demand” hot water circulating loops are much

more efficient than continuous recirculating loops that waste energy and electricity.




Replace Lightbulbs w/ CFLs or LEDs CFLs can save 75% of the electricity used by incandescents. A CFL costs $2-$3 but lasts 10,000 hours = ~$22 in

electricity = ~$25 total cost. A 100-watt incandescent bulb costs $0.50 but lasts 1,000

hours so you need 10 of them ($5 to buy) to last 10,000 hours = ~$80 in electricity = ~$85 total cost

First target 60- to 100-watt bulbs used several hours a day If replacing Refrigerator…

Side by side units use 20-25% more energy than top/bottom units.

Select Energy Star rated & use the recommended settings




Schedule an Energy Audit Evaluate home & make recommendations Energy rater can also provide independent

verification of contractors’ work quality. Look for raters who are RESNET Accredited. In some regions, there are Home Performance with

Energy Star programs, too. Most of these programs include low-cost home assessment and strong quality assurance practices and/or inspections




Schedule an Energy Audit NC Weatherization Assistance Program for single‐

family homes, apartments, condominiums and mobile homes.

Renters must have written permission from their landlord.

Focus on low-income families particularly the elderly, the disabled, families with children, high energy users and the energy burdened.

For more information, call (919) 733-2230 or toll-free at (800) 662-7131




Schedule an Energy Audit USGBC’s Green Home Guide

http://greenhomeguide.com/findapro/category/55 Piedmont Natural Gas

http://www.piedmontng.com/yourhome/energyefficiency/home.aspx

Duke Energy will conduct an audit for customers http://www.duke-energy.com/north-carolina/

savings.asp 1-877-388-7676




LEED for Homes REGREEN Environments for Living Energy Star Water Sense US DoE Building Challenge

Residential ProgramsFrom USGBC’s greenhomeguide.org


9 ways to make your home more energy efficient from usgbc’s greenhomeguide

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