Home Energy-Efficiency Elements and Insights

The following items are included as part of your score. Here are more details:

ROOF TYPE

Metal roofs reflect more heat and tile roofs insulate from the heat better than traditional composite asphalt roofs do.

SUN EXPOSURE

Heat from sun exposure often causes homes to heat up and stay hot in the summer, causing homeowners to run their expensive Air Conditioning systems. It’s okay if your roof is exposed to the sun, because you can take advantage of solar energy instead by installing solar panels on the sunniest parts of your roof.

SOLAR (PV – PHOTO VOLTAIC), POWER GENERATING SYSTEM

A photo voltaic (PV) or solar energy system will often save a home owner thousands of dollars as compared to staying completely reliant upon the utility company to provide their electricity. Get a 60 second estimate now.

ATTIC INSULATION

Homes with at least 18” of insulation are considered Title 24 compliant. When combined with cool-roof shingles and a ridge venting system, these homes can stay cooler in the summer much longer than usual, saving hundreds in A/C costs.

Have you installed a radiant barrier (attic blanket) in your attic? Radiant barriers serve as an additional layer of protection which keeps attics cooler longer, hence dramatically reducing a homeowner’s reliance on an A/C system.

ROOF VENTILATION

Trapped hot air in an attic will cause homeowners to run their A/C more than is necessary. Installing a whole house fan, or ridge venting system will lower attic temps by 20 degrees in warmer weather, making a significant difference in room temperatures inside the home. Whole House Fans draw in cool air in the morning, into the attic, and push hot air out with proper roofing ventilation, thus reducing a homeowner’s reliance on more expensive A/C cooling. A cooler attic may also extend the life of your asphalt shingles.

HOT WATER HEATING

Tankless (gas) hot water heaters use less electricity overall and waste less water than traditional tank based systems.

NATURAL LIGHTING

Do you have a few natural lighting sources (double-pane skylights or sun tunnels) – More natural lighting for your home is better for your health (circadian rhythms), and may reduce your electric expense. Some of these solar-tubes even contain solar-powered LEDs that will provide free light from the sun, even after dark, well into the night.

LED (Light Emitting Diode) LIGHTING

Have you switched conventional lighting to LED? LEDs use 60-70% less energy than incandescent bulbs.

WEATHER STRIPPING

Have you reinforced any gaps in your windows, doors, and ceilings that may be allowing cool air to escape or hot air to enter your home? Using weatherstripping and sealant around doors, windows and cracks will lower a homeowner’s heating and cooling expense.

WINDOWS

Do you have double pane windows? – Double pane windows with adequate window shading/coverings (UV blocking and tinting, drapes, blinds and/or shutters) will lower the temperature inside the home this reducing the homeowner’s reliance upon expensive Air Conditioning.

ENERGY-STAR APPLIANCES

Is your fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and dishwasher energy-star rated? – Having appliances which are energy star rates can save 20% more as compared to traditional appliances. Consider also, putting large, secondary freezers on timers in the winter timed to run only during the day.

WALLS

Do you have stucco, concrete, or stone walls? Homes with concrete, stucco or stone walls will heat up slower than homes with simple siding and insulation. An additional way to reinforce your home’s exterior from the heat is to utilize energy efficient coatings and/or paint, and foam insulation instead of fiberglass.