Home Energy

Living spaces, how they are constructed and how energy is used to heat and cool those spaces contributes to GHG emissions.  Redesigning your space, collaborating with neighbors, and evaluating your electricity source are all opportunities to take advantage of new technologies and reduce your emissions. 

FACTS:

• 20% of US energy-related GHG emission are attributed to heating, cooling, and powering households

• The energy used to heat and cool homes that escapes through windows accounts for up to 25% of the average bill

• Over half (51% in 2015) of the average household’s energy consumption is used for space heating and A/C alone

• A heat pump can reduce your electricity use for heating by 30%-40% compared to electric resistance heating such as furnaces and baseboard heaters

•  From 2010-2019 the cost of solar photovoltaics fell 82%

• Consumers can save 5-30% on their energy bills by making upgrades typically identified in a home energy assessment

SOLUTIONS:

• Envelope your home in energy-saving insulation

• Replace old windows with energy efficient windows

• Learn about clean energy rebates available to homeowners

• Explore the many opportunities for rebates in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

• Collaborate with neighbors to inspire the neighborhood to use less energy and form an ecovillage

• Convert all electricity usage to 100% renewable energy through your utility

• Explore switching to geothermal for home heating

• Save electricity with a heat pump water heater

• Heat your home with an electric air-source heat pump (w/green electricity)

• Service your electrical needs by generating green power with solar panels

• Store green power on-site with batteries, or contribute it back to the grid for a credit

• Conduct a home energy audit

• Identify and manage the sources of ghost energy consumption

• Cook at home with an induction stove

Used with permission from - RegenAll.org