Over the last decade, solar has grown by an average of 33% per year in the United States, generating enough capacity to power 24 million homes, and with the help of new government subsidies, investing in energy-efficient home upgrades is becoming increasingly affordable. The Energy Star program’s six-point home upgrade plan offers solutions to save money and energy at home, and according to The New York Times, it’s all electric.
1. Clean heating and cooling
Electric heat pumps are efficient replacements for oil and gas boilers and furnaces, and they can cool air, too. Some use your existing ducts, others are ductless.
2. Super-efficient water heater
Boilers and furnaces use the most energy, followed by water heaters. Electric heat pumps save money and power.
3. Smart thermostat
A relatively inexpensive addition, these thermostats can automate temperature changes and adjust to your daily routine to achieve greater energy efficiency.
For Energy Star’s full list of efficient home upgrades …
Advertisement
Related Stories
Energy Efficiency
New Heat Pump Takes a Sleek Approach to Home Climate Solutions
Startup Quilt is putting a fresh face on heat pumps to save homeowners money on their energy bills
Energy Efficiency
Green Upgrade Calculator Brings Clarity to Energy Efficiency
The tool can be used by home contractors, energy advisors, and decarbonization analysts
Energy Efficiency
New Bill Aims to Curb Energy-Efficiency Standards for Home Appliances
Passage of the act by the House would add hurdles to creating new appliance standards and also make it easier to revoke existing standards