Reduce your heating and air conditioning costs (61% of average annual energy expenses in the northeast):
- Superinsulating represents a small additional percentage of the total cost of a home construction project, but it has been shown to be the best way to both save money and cut carbon emissions. You can save up to 40% on heating and cooling costs as well as eliminate cold drafts, reduce indoor summertime humidity, and other benefits.
- Highly efficient windows, such as Low E windows, can add another 10% in heating and cooling savings.
- By taking an integrated approach, some of the initial cost increases are immediately offset by the ability to reduce the size and cost of the heating and air conditioning equipment needed to keep your home comfortable year round.
Reduce hot water heating costs (16% of average annual energy expenses):
- Taking a few inexpensive steps, like insulating pipes, can yield meaningful reductions in operating costs.
- If you choose a geothermal system for heating and air conditioning, it also can be used for hot water heating for no additional cost.
- A solar thermal system with a single solar collector will meet typical hot water needs. After financial incentives, the net upfront cost in New York’s Westchester/southern Fairfield counties is about $1,800. Alternatively, if you choose to install a photovoltaic solar system to meet some of your electricity needs, an electric hot water heater also can be powered by that system.
Reduce your appliance operating expenses.
New Energy Star refrigerators and appliances cost, on average, 4% less per year to operate than less-efficient appliances so that they quickly pay for their slightly higher initial cost.
