Energy Efficiency

 

The first step consumers should consider before installing solar is how they can reduce their energy use through conservation and efficiency.  Find resources to save energy and improve efficiency, performance, comfort and affordability in new and existing structures here.

 

• Energy Savers, www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/ Resources from U.S. Dept. of Energy on energy efficient homes, saving electricity, weatherization, home energy audit checklist.

• Energy Star, www.energystar.gov/ Business case for energy efficiency; energy savings in homes, buildings and products; tax credits; financing strategies; Energy Star calculator

• Buildings Technology Office (BTO), energy.gov/eere/buildings/residential-buildings-integration Collaboration with residential building industry to develop, demonstrate, and deploy cost-effective solutions to improve the energy efficiency of both new and existing homes by 50%

• Alliance to Save Energy, www.ase.org/about/why

• Home Energy: The Home Performance Magazine, www.homeenergy.org/ Information on residential energy efficiency, performance, comfort, and affordability

• Guide to Energy Efficient Heating & Cooling

• Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings (book review), www.amazon.com/Consumer-Guide-Energy-Savings-Edition/dp/0865716021

• Better Buildings Neighborhood Program, energy.gov/eere/better-buildings-neighborhood-program/better-buildings-neighborhood-program Supports energy efficiency upgrade markets by providing grants to states, local governments, and organizations in communities

• U.S. DOE Weatherization Assistance Program, energy.gov/eere/wipo/weatherization-assistance-program provides grants to states to improve the energy efficiency of the homes of low-income families. These, in turn, contract with local governments and nonprofit agencies.