Energy efficiency, is the goal to reduce the amount of energy required to provide products and services. Insulating a home allows a building or a house to use less heating and cooling energy to achieve and maintain a comfortable temperature. Installing fluorescent lights or natural skylights reduces the amount of energy required to attain the same level of illumination compared with using traditional incandescent light bulbs.Improvements in energy efficiency are generally achieved by adopting a more efficient technology or production processes or by application of commonly accepted methods to reduce energy losses.
A two-year-old study by ACEEE projects appliance, equipment, and lighting standards will be saved.The study found that updating existing standards and setting new
standards for additional products between now and 2015 could net
consumers and businesses another $170 billion and reduce pollution even
further.
When we conserve energy resources, our nation can enjoy cleaner air and a healthier environment, and we can
help protect the climate by reducing green house gases. In 2008, Americans saved more than $19 billion and
avoided greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 29 million cars through choices they made with
energy-saving measures and energy-efficient homes.
Homeowners can save energy while improving their home's comfort level
by adopting energy-efficient building practices. Substantial savings
are possible whether building a new home, renovating an existing one,
or simply updating some features to improve your home's efficiency. At
the same time, homeowners can use green power for their home to reduce
further their consumption of energy from fossil fuels.
Some homeowners, frustrated by high energy bills and uncomfortable
homes, undertake a comprehensive solution to their energy efficiency
problems. Rather than focusing on a single component, such as replacing
single-paned windows, an old air conditioning system, or leaky
ductwork, a qualified contractor will examine how improvements to all
of these components can work together to provide greater comfort and
lower utility bills.
By focusing on the whole house as a system the
contractor can provide the most cost-effective recommendations to
improve the home. For example, a contractor may air seal and insulate a
home. If this is done properly, the home will not require as large of a
heating or cooling system, saving the homeowner money if replacing the
system. Added benefits occur if the ducts are sealed and energy
efficient windows are installed. The contractor, using special
diagnostic tools, can recommend the right set of improvements to
achieve the most energy savings for the least cost.
