Considerations for Selecting Energy Efficient Windows for Homes in Different Climates

Reviewed and Revised on 11/13/2013

It is very important that you consider your climate when selecting energy efficient windows to reduce home energy use. One size or type does not fit all homes and climate zones.

Window energy efficiency criteria for different climates

  • In temperate climates with both heating and cooling seasons, select windows with both a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and a low U-factor to maximize energy benefits and savings.

  • For cold or very cold climates where

Tips for Energy Savings by Installing Home Window Treatments

Reviewed and Revised on 11/13/2013

Window treatments can help improve the energy efficiency of windows in your home. However, other improvements such as:

can have a higher impact on reducing your home energy use and should be done before considering window treatments. Window treatments are generally especially helpful, If there are problems with solar heat gain (sun’s heat travelling through a window and heating the inside of a home), feeling cold from …

Selecting Energy Efficient Windows for Homes

Reviewed and Revised on 11/13/2013

Why Energy Efficient Windows? The Costs and the Benefits. 

Your windows typically provide you with a view, ventilation, shelter, and light. They may also be costing you loss of energy, hard earned dollars, and comfort. Inadequately insulated windows and doors can cost up to 30% a homes’ energy dollars. Many old U.S. homes have single-glazed (one glass layer) windows. These homeowners may choose to add storm windows, or replace them with new double or …

How to Increase the Efficiency of Your Home Refrigerator

Reviewed and Revised on 11/07/2013 

Even if you aren’t able to replace your existing refrigerator with a new model, there are some things you can do that can help your refrigerator run more efficiently.

 

Even if you aren’t able to replace your existing refrigerator with a new model, there are some things you can do that can help your refrigerator run more efficiently. Below are some energy saving ideas:

  • Check the temperature

For energy savings and food safety, experts state …

Using Landscaping Vines and Structures to Reduce Home Energy Costs

Reviewed and Revised on 10/17/20

Vines, shrubs, and some trees can be used as espaliers (plants trained to grow flat against walls) can be used to protect home walls from heat and cold. The plant foliage provides a sort of insulation against summer heat and cold winter winds. It can also help to reduce noise. Vines like English ivy are not recommended because they cling to masonry and wooden surfaces and can damage your house. Vines that twine and that …

Energy Efficient Home Freestanding Stoves/Ranges

Reviewed and Revised on 11/07/2013

Energy efficient, multifunctional, and stylish freestanding stoves/ranges

Since the kitchen is generally the hub of the home, consumers want it to offer an uplifting feeling of optimism. Energy efficient lighting, cabinetry, colors, and appliances combine to create the perception of comfort, security, and that overall good feeling offered in the kitchen environment. Smart consumers also want eco-friendly, energy efficient appliances, not only saving for themselves, but also for future generations.

Today’s manufacturers, responding to consumer …

Basic Information to Consider for Home Water Heating

Reviewed and Revised on 01/03/2014

Energy Usage in Home Water Heating 

Closed-combustion water heater with power vent fan

Water heating is often the third largest energy expense in your home, after heating and cooling. It accounts for 15-25% of your utility bill. It’s not hard to see why —  family of four, each taking a 5-minute shower every day using inefficient shower heads, can use 700 gallons of water in one week. This is enough for a three year supply …

How to Keep Warm and Safe at Home

Reviewed and Revised on 10/15/2013

Home Heating Safety Tips

Fires and accidents caused by home heating equipment are largely preventable if you clean, maintain, and use equipment properly. By reviewing general safety tips, including those related to heating emergencies and those specific to electric and kerosene space heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces, you can avoid heating accidents.

Heating devices can be extremely dangerous if you use them incorrectly. Improper use of home heating equipment can cause death from fire, …

Payback and Savings on Your Energy-Related Home Improvements

 Reviewed and Revised on 10/17/2013

Photo of an inefficient furnace

When looking to do energy related improvements on a home, it is often a good idea to determine a savings to investment ratio (SIR) for each measure before investing in the improvement. The ratio takes into account how much an improvement costs, how much it saves once installed, and how long it will last.

Savings to Investment Ratio formula

The ratio will give a homeowner an estimate of the number of times an improvement will …

Tips For Mechanical Air Filters to Improve Home Energy Efficiency

Reviewed and Revised on 10/30/2013

Images of air filters (Left-clean; Right- dirty). 
  • Studies have shown that dirty filters on the return air grille of your heating and cooling systems greatly reduce the efficiency of your system, wasting energy as well your money. Dirty filters can also reduce living comfort by restricting air circulation and not capturing dust particles, allergens and pollutants in the indoor air. Your equipment may have to work harder and its life can get shortened. It is