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Let’s face it – everyone wants to cut costs these days.
It’s no wonder that energy efficiency continues to be a top priority for homeowners looking to remodel or build.
People want features that promote lower heating and cooling costs, smart water usage and a better mix of natural and artificial lighting. And a significant number of consumers are more than willing to take on higher, short-term project costs in return for smaller utility bills over the life of the property.
If your clients are looking to go green or just spend less on utilities, here are some of the energy efficient features that can benefit almost any home.
Heating and cooling alone account for nearly half of the energy use for the typical American home, making it the single largest energy expense for most residents.
Adding efficiencies here can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year, depending on the size of the property and overall energy consumption levels.
The average American home uses over 300 gallons of water a day, and 70% of this usage occurs indoors.
Water-related expenses include both the cost of the water itself and the cost to heat it for bathing, making coffee and similar uses. Features that promote smart water usage can put a healthy dent in utility bills.
Low-flow plumbing installations can reduce the amount of water that is wasted, while still providing enough for daily activities. For best savings, look for a toilet that uses 1.28 gallons per flush or less and a showerhead with a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute or less.
A tankless water heater, while more expensive than a traditional water heater, works only when needed and saves on the cost of heating up a big tank of water.
Most folks already know that turning off lights when you leave a room is the simplest way to conserve some energy. But there are many features that can be added to the home so that residents can enjoy all the light they need without spending more than they have to.
New appliances are often a key component of remodeling and new construction projects. In addition to complementing the decor of a kitchen or other room, a smart choice here can also yield big energy savings down the road.
Simply look for appliances with the Energy Star label. For example, Energy Star refrigerators can use up to 20% less energy. Dishwashers can use 10% less energy and 18% less water, while washing machines may save 20% on energy and 35% on water usage.
Finally, the continued growth in solar power in the United States may have more homeowners asking about solar panels or rooftop shingles. While it does add to the up-front cost of the project, solar offers the potential for substantial energy savings, depending on the amount of sunlight the property receives.
Are you looking to add energy efficient features to an upcoming project? Contact Mid-City Lumber to find out how our friendly experts can help you get the materials you need.