Think Energy Efficiency
Originally appeared in Hills Publications, October 5, 2001 and ANG Newspapers, September 22, 2001
As you search for a home to buy, or prepare your residence to sell, how much thought do you give to its energy efficiency? With fuel costs rising, and shortages already evident, it is time to take an active interest.
Old houses are energy sieves
Except for the occasional (and expensive) newer home, almost all properties in our area could use some energy rehabilitation. Here are some areas to consider:
Windows, doors, pipes, ducts, receptacles. You can save up to 10% in heating bills by weather-stripping windows and doors, and caulking air leaks around windows, doors, pipes and ducts. Up to another 3% could be conserved by sealing electric receptacles and switch boxes with foam gaskets or fiberglass insulation.
New windows. Replacing windows is costly. Value is added if a property has all new, energy-efficient windows, in character with its style and period. If windows need to be replaced, consider buying high-performance ones. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) has a window energy rating system based on four key factors: U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), Visible Transmittance (VT) and Air Leak (AL). Do your homework.
Plumbing fixtures, showerheads. Installing energy-saving showerheads saves 10-16% of hot water use. Dripping faucets and plumbing could waste energy and over 200 gallons of water a month.
Fireplace. A well-sealed, tempered glass fireplace screen and a tightly closing damper will stop heat and money from going up the chimney.
Old appliances waste energy
It is amazing how much is saved with updated appliances. Those more than ten years old are not as energy-efficient as the latest models.
Refrigerator. A fridge can be the biggest energy hog in the house. New versions may use only half as much electricity as older ones.
Washer, Dryer. The newest, top-of-the-line, front-loading washer uses 68% less water and 67% less energy. Its matching gas dryer is equally impressive.
Stove, Dishwasher, Furnace, Hot Water Heater. In addition to being more efficient, the latest model furnaces and water heaters take up substantially less space.
Typical appliance energy costs. Many people have no idea of how expensive it is to operate home appliances. Here are some examples:
- Refrigerator, frost-free, (20 cu ft), $12.00-$22.00/mo
- Freezer, $15.00-30.00/mo
- Electric oven, $.30-.60/hr
- Gas oven, $.05-.11/hr
- Electric range top burner, $.07-.30/hr
- Gas range top burner, $.05-.08/hr
- Dishwasher, $.08-.09 per load
- Electricity for wash water, $.37/load
- Gas for wash water, $.10/load
- Washer, $.03-.23/load
- Electric dryer, $.30-.60/load
- Gas dryer, $.10-.16/load
- Electric water heater, $20.00-70.00/mo
- Gas water heater, $7.00-19.00/mo
Final Thoughts
Ceiling fans, efficient thermostats and adequate insulation are all pluses. Reflect on how much has been done, or needs to be completed, energy-wise when you look at a particular house. Although this should not be the critical consideration in buying, it certainly deserves to be an item on your list. If you do not think energy efficiency now, count on wasted dollars later.
A more comprehensive explanation of energy efficiency is available online at Pacific Gas & Electric’s website and Efficient Windows Collaborative
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