Understanding the energy system of your home or building is an important step towards energy efficiency and in many cases - saving on energy costs!
Chances are you wouldn’t buy a new house without an inspection or purchase a new computer without research, so why would you purchase a thermostat or insulation for your building with little to no consideration?
Learn about efficient appliances, how heating and cooling systems work, types of insulation, lighting, and thermostats for your home or business in our Energy Basics section. You will gain a better understanding on how they work, energy efficiency upgrades, and why it's important to make energy efficient choices.
Consider this section a mini-encyclopedia for energy related knowledge. Then take the next step and visit the rest of the website to find financing options, rebates and the energy professionals who can help you save.
Connecticut Spotlight: Building an eHouse
Why is Energy Efficiency important?
Energy efficiency helps keep your wallet full, your home comfortable, and the environment green.
Energy efficient upgrades and improvement measures are a good investment- they may cost money up front, but save you money in the long run. Did you know that sealing air leaks and adding insulation could cut your energy bill by 5%-30%? Appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators, and laundry washers and driers account for about 13% of a household’s energy costs. If they aren’t ENERGY STAR qualified products, chances are they are more than likely using more energy than they need to.
Buildings and homes that are not properly air sealed or insulated are at a higher risk for cold damp air and mold growth. Mold can be very irritating for children and adults with asthma and allergies. Poorly insulated homes and buildings with air leaks can also cause homes to be drafty and cold in the winter time, despite how high you turn up the heat. They will also be uncomfortably hot and sticky in the summer even with the thermostat set low.
Energy efficiency is also a key component to helping our environment. The less energy we use, the lower our energy demand is. Lowering our energy demand reduces the amount of power plants needed to run in order to meet the energy needs. Fewer power plants running mean fewer harmful greenhouse gases being emitted into the environment that can affect human health, as well as the health of our planet. Connecticut has set ambitious climate change goals and increasing energy efficiency can help put us on the path towards achieving them. Connecticut also has set a goal to weatherize 80% of its homes by 2030 as stated in Public Act 11-80.
Building a new home? Consider taking the CT Zero Energy Challenge and build a home that uses no more energy from the electrical grid over a given period than it produces on site, or look into the Residential New Construction Program to minimize energy costs and maximize comfort.