Today, technology is making it easier than ever to build or create a more energy efficient home, and the government is taking notice of the positive impact it is making on local utilities and the environment.
In Northwest Indiana, temperatures hit extremes of 100+ degrees in the summer and nearly 30 below in the winter, which means heating and cooling bills alone can be extraordinarily high. These alone can put a major whole in the pocketbook and why the interest has increased in energy efficiency by residents.
Enhancing your home's energy efficiency in Northwest Indiana not only reduces utility bills but also contributes to environmental sustainability. This can happen in two ways, making an investment in upgrades over time and through changing some simple daily habits.
By implementing targeted upgrades and leveraging available rebate programs, homeowners can achieve significant energy savings when they create an energy efficient home.
Key Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Heating and Cooling Systems:
Heat Pumps: Upgrading to energy-efficient heat pumps can substantially lower energy consumption through an all-in-one system for home heating and air conditioning that runs more efficiently – and without the use of fossil fuels. For instance, replacing an old gas boiler with a 9kW air source heat pump can offer more than three times the efficiency.
Upgrade your HVAC system: Another alternative is to consider replacing your aged HVAC system with a more energy efficient model. You can also regularly clean and maintain your HVAC system to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible. This is why annual maintenance by a professional is key.
Smart Thermostats: Installing a smart Wi-Fi enabled thermostat allows for precise temperature control, optimizing energy use and enhancing comfort. Keep it lower at night when sleeping or away from the home and turn to lower, manageable setting when home. The best part is, when you leave the house there is no worrying if you forgot to turn down the air temperature. You can do it on your phone.
Insulation and Air Sealing:
Attic and Wall Insulation: Proper insulation minimizes heat loss during winter and keeps your home cooler in summer, leading to consistent indoor temperatures, reduced HVAC strain and an impact on your bills.
Add or install new insulation to your walls, attic, and crawl spaces and seal air leaks around windows and doors in those spaces.
Ensure that windows are properly insulated as well.
Air Sealing: About 25-40% of your home’s heating and cooling energy is lost through air leaks alone. Identifying and sealing drafts around windows, doors, and other openings prevent energy loss, improving overall efficiency. An energy audit can help pinpoint these areas.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors:
Upgrading to double or triple-pane windows and well-insulated doors reduces heat transfer, enhancing comfort and lowering energy costs. Moreover, these type of windows can also keep your home cooler in the summer, especially if they have UV protection.
Efficient Water Heating:
Heat Pump Water Heaters: These systems use less energy compared to traditional water heaters, providing hot water efficiently. For instance, an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heater typically has an UEF rating in the range of 3.3 to 4.1, demonstrating an astounding 330 to 410% efficiency compared to traditional storage tank water heaters.
Tankless Water Heater: Can save up to 34% on energy costs for homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water per day.
5. Install a Skylight: Installing a skylight can not only brighten up the interior of the home with natural light but it can help save on energy used for indoor lighting – reducing the need for it during the day. When installed strategically, energy-efficient skylights can provide heat from the sun and boost a home’s heat retention.
6. Low-Flow Bathroom Fixtures: Opting for low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets can help cut down on water and energy use alike. Keep an eye out for WaterSense labeled products, which meet water efficiency specifications set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
7. Install Solar Panels: Produce your own energy and feed excess back onto the grid for your community. Solar panels have a big initial cost, but they can increase your home’s value by more than 4% which may not seem like a lot, but it is impactful. The perceived value of buyers can drive the price up more. Plus, there are a government rebates for installing solar panels.
o To get the most out of your high-dollar investment in solar panels, your house should be converted to electricity and appropriately insulated and professionally air sealed.
Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs in Indiana
Indiana Office of Energy Development (OED) Home Energy Rebates:
Homeowners achieving at least 20% energy savings through qualified upgrades are eligible for rebates up to $2,000 or 50% of the project cost. Projects with greater savings or for low-income households may qualify for higher rebates.
NIPSCO Energy Efficiency Rebates:
NIPSCO offers rebates on high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners, boilers, heat pumps, smart Wi-Fi thermostats, and other home efficiency equipment, helping customers save energy and money.
AES Indiana Appliance Rebates:
Customers can receive rebates for purchasing ENERGY STAR-rated appliances, including refrigerators, clothes washers, and dryers.
Indiana Michigan Power Rebates:
Offers rebates on various energy-efficient products and home improvements, making it easier for homeowners to save money and energy.
Federal Incentives:
The Inflation Reduction Act provides tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements, such as heat pumps, efficient air conditioners, and home energy audits. Homeowners may qualify for a credit up to $3,200.
Next Steps for Homeowners
Conduct an Energy Audit: Engage a professional to assess your home's current energy efficiency and recommend specific improvements.
Research and Apply for Rebates: Use tools like the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder to identify available rebates in your area along with the links above.
Plan and Implement Upgrades: Prioritize upgrades based on potential energy savings, available rebates, and your budget. Create a plan for a full transition and create a timeline for it to happen
While some of these upgrades may seem out of reach now, start saving money to implement your plan for long-term financial savings. In the meantime, there are little things you can do every day to save.
Here are some affordable tips for improving your home’s energy efficiency include:
Use Energy-efficient Appliances: Look for appliances with high energy efficiency ratings and review the options for rebates above.
Energy Efficient Lighting: Per the Department of Energy, “When you switch to energy-efficient lighting, you can light your home using the same amount of light for less money. Lighting accounts for around 15% of an average home's electricity use, and the average household saves about $225 in energy costs per year by using LED lighting. if you are still using incandescent light bulbs, switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the fastest ways to cut your energy bills. For high-quality products with the greatest energy savings, choose bulbs that have earned the ENERGY STAR.”
Cooking smart: Use your microwave instead of your stove and think before you turn on the oven with consideration of how long the cooking time will be.
Use cold water for laundry: Use cold water for laundry instead of hot water.
Use low-flow shower heads and faucets: Replace your shower heads and faucets with low-flow models.
Unplug electronics when not in use: Unplug electronics like chargers when they're not in use. Even the smallest current can keep your electricity bill high, and every penny counts when you’re going energy efficient to save money.
Plant trees: Trees can provide shade to keep your home cooler in the summer and help keep it stay warmer in the winter, in particular evergreen varieties. When planted on the north and northwest sides of a house they act as a windbreak, blocking cold winds from directly hitting the home and reducing heat loss; essentially, they create a barrier against the prevailing winter winds, allowing less cold air to infiltrate the house keeping it warmer.
By strategically enhancing your home's energy efficiency and taking advantage of available rebate programs, you can enjoy a more comfortable living environment while contributing to a sustainable future.
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