An Energy Efficiency Checklist for a Southeastern Home
By: Architectural Visions
With a few updates to your home and lifestyle, you can conserve energy in your home. You can improve your energy usage daily, weekly, monthly, and annually, provided you have the proper knowledge. However, environmental conditions in the Southeastern United States are vastly different from those in the Upper Midwest and require different energy efficiency requirements. If you’re a homeowner in the Southeast, read on for a checklist of energy-efficient products every new and established home should have.
Key takeaways:
- Replacing inefficient appliances with ENERGY STAR versions will reduce energy bills short- and long-term.
- ENERGY STAR windows are the best replacement windows for hot climates, such as the Southeast. Replacing older windows with energy-saving windows can reduce air conditioning loss.
- Replacing your incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights can save on electricity use.
- A programmable thermostat, especially one with an ENERGY STAR label, can adjust the temperature based on your schedule, saving energy costs when you are not home.
- Low-flow showerheads and water-saving toilets will reduce excess daily water consumption, which is especially important in hot climates.
Energy-saving appliances
- ENERGY STAR APPLIANCES: Incorporating ENERGY STAR products such as washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers, and other appliances can reduce energy bills by up to thirty percent. The ENERGY STAR website lists the approved products, and the products also have an ENERGY STAR label. Replacing old, inefficient appliances with ENERGY STAR versions is a wise investment, and the savings will be reflected in your energy bills.
Energy-saving windows
- Energy-saving windows: Energy-efficient windows are essential in the Southeast. As a region known for its high temperatures and humidity, it’s important to select windows for hot, humid climates. Replacing inefficient, leaky windows with energy-efficient models will save on cooling expenses during the hotter months.
- Low e-glass windows: Low emissivity (low-E glass) windows have a coating that blocks ultraviolet (UV) lights and infrared (IR) lights. This means the windows will absorb less light and heat, which will keep your house cooler and save on air conditioning costs. Low-E glass windows are among the best window material for hot climates.
- Multi-pane glass windows: Triple-pane and double-pane glass windows will help your home conserve energy because the gases between each pane create insulation. This results in lower cooling costs. Multi-pane glass windows are some of the best windows for hot climates.
- Rope caulk: Adding rope caulk or film to leaky windows will help during times of high condensation.
Energy-saving lighting
- Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs): Replacing your incandescent lights with CFLs can save up to three-quarters of electricity use.
Energy-saving heating and cooling systems
- Programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat can adjust the temperature based on your schedule, saving energy costs when you are not home. This is another product that should have an ENERGY STAR label.
- Filters: Your air conditioner, heater and furnace filters should be replaced regularly. How often you replace them is dependent on the type of filter you have. The replacement cadence ranges from every thirty days to once a year.
- ENERGY STAR furnace: When replacing your furnace, look for a model with the ENERGY STAR label. It’s also important to schedule annual furnace maintenance.
Water energy savings
- Low-flow showerheads: In hot climates, it’s essential to conserve water. Replace your existing showerheads with low-flow showerheads to help reduce excess water consumption with bathing.
- Water-saving toilets: Similar to low-flow showerheads, water-saving toilets can save your water usage daily.
- Insulation: Insulating the hot water pipes will prevent heat loss, which will reduce your overall heating bill.
Exterior energy savings
- Plant shade trees: Southwest households often have high air conditioning bills. Planting shade trees and shrubs around the house can reduce your air conditioning bills.
AVI Windows & Doors
Turn to a professional to help with the best replacement windows for hot climates by contacting the experts at AVI. AVI is your one-stop shop installing energy-efficient windows with in-person and online service options. Please don’t hesitate to contact us online or come by one of our Southeast locations and let us help you!