By improving the energy efficiency of your space you’re using less energy to do the same job — whether it’s for keeping the lights on, cooling, heating, or running appliances. The average American is wasting $200 to $400 annually because their home is not energy efficient, according to the Department of Energy.
If you’re a renter you can usually still participate in energy efficiency programs but you must obtain permission from your landlord first.
The federal Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) program helps elderly (60 years of age and older), disabled and low-income households make their homes more energy efficient. In Louisiana, the Louisiana Housing Corporation works in partnership with local providers to implement the Program.
All programs offer a free home energy audit to identify what specific measures you can take to make your home or building more energy efficient. Then the programs can help connect you to contractors. For low-income households, many of the programs will also pay for installation of the most cost-effective measures at no cost to you. For more information on the programs available to you follow the links below.
Seal air leaks around floors, walls, ceilings, windows, doors, and fireplaces with caulk, spray foam, and weather stripping. Warm air leaking into your home during the summer and out of your home during the winter can waste a lot of your energy dollars. The potential energy savings from reducing drafts in a home may range from 5% to 30% per year, and the home is generally much more comfortable afterward (DOE).
Seal ducts and make sure they are straight and properly connected. Many duct systems are not insulated properly or have gaps or holes where air can leak out. You can lose up to 60% of your heated air before it reaches the register if your ducts are not insulated and they travel through unheated spaces such as an attic or crawlspace (DOE).
Add insulation to the attic, crawl space or basement, and exterior walls in conjunction with air sealing to help keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Increasing your home’s insulation is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy waste (DOE).
Heating and cooling your home uses more energy than any other system in your home. Typically, 43% of a home utility bill goes to heating and cooling.
By combining proper equipment maintenance and upgrades with appropriate insulation, air sealing, and thermostat settings, you can cut your energy use for heating and cooling from 20% to 50% (DOE).
Upgrade household appliances and electronics to ENERGY STAR or ENERGY STAR Most Efficient products. Appliances account for about 15% of your household’s energy consumption, with refrigerators, clothes washers, and clothes dryers at the top of the consumption list (DOE).
Install an energy-efficient hot water heater, such as an energy-efficient tank water heater or an on-demand tankless water heater. Water heating is the third largest energy expense in your home, typically accounting for about 12% of your utility bill. Also consider using less hot water, turning down the thermostat on your water heater, and insulating your water heater (DOE).
Install more energy efficient windows, doors, and skylights by looking for ENERGY STAR products. Consider installing storm windows and doors. Air infiltrates into and out of your home through every hole and crack. About 20% of this air infiltrates through openings in your windows, doors, and skylights. Storm windows alone can reduce heat loss through windows by 25% to 50% (DOE).
Install and set programmable thermostats that save energy by automatically regulating your home or building’s temperature when you are home, asleep, or away. You can save as much as 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills by simply turning your thermostat back 10% to 15% for 8 hours (DOE).
