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When it comes to building your new home in Austin, make sure to ask builders how they incorporate green features into their homes. These features are designed to save energy and money, while making your home more comfortable.
In addition to reducing your energy usage, many green features can increase the value of your home. In this article, we will look at some of the most important tips for an Energy Efficient Homes in Austin.
Energy Efficient Windows
When you are looking for ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home, one of the best places to start is with your windows. Replacing your old windows can have a huge impact on how much energy you use, as well as how comfortable you are in your home.
Austin window contractors can help you find the right replacement windows to boost your energy efficiency. They can also install the proper insulation to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Most modern windows come with insulating features built into their frames and double or triple panes to stop unwanted heat from escaping. They have high R-values and low U-values, which show how well insulated the window is.
Energy Efficient Appliances
Buying or upgrading your home’s appliances is one of the best ways to save money on utility bills. Energy efficient appliances use 10-50% less energy than standard models.
They are also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Appliances are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, so upgrading to an energy-efficient model will help you cut your bill and improve your environmental profile at the same time.
For example, ENERGY STAR-certified appliances use 10-50% less energy and produce 10 times fewer carbon emissions than traditional models.
You can even save on your energy bill by recycling your old, inefficient refrigerator. EPA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program is a great way to do it, and it’s free for homeowners. The RAD program will collect energy-intensive old refrigerators and recycle them in turnkey facilities to help protect the environment.
Energy Efficient Lighting
Energy efficient lighting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to improve your energy efficiency. The key is to choose quality bulbs, fixtures and controls that save you money in the long run.
There are many options available to you for lighting, from LED bulbs that last longer than traditional incandescents to motion-sensing lights that automatically turn on when there is a need. These energy efficient lighting systems will significantly lower your electricity costs and help you make a more environmentally friendly home.
The city of Austin is making an effort to reduce energy use by retrofitting some of its parking garages and other areas. By replacing older, high-wattage metal halide light fixtures with LED luminaires, the city plans to save up to $46,000 in energy costs every year.
Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling
Austin is a hot, sunny city, so you need an efficient cooling system to keep your home comfortable. Moreover, you need one that’s not going to break the bank by using a lot of energy.
Luckily, you can upgrade your old system to an energy-efficient one that will save you money in the long run. You can also get rebates on new equipment from the City of Austin.
Your HVAC unit’s SEER rating is an important factor to consider when shopping for a replacement. The higher the SEER, the more efficiently your system will cool.
You can take the first step in improving your home’s energy efficiency by scheduling a free home energy audit. A certified auditor will identify areas where you can make improvements and provide recommendations for steps to reduce your energy usage.