Can you imagine life without having electricity? We rely on it, our homes require it. We power our lights, appliances, heating systems, air conditioning, electronics and so much more with it. Home energy in America is not an option it’s a necessity. So how can we learn to live with what we need in relation to energy and still be able to afford the ever rising costs of energy? At the same time can we do it and still be kind to our environment so that many generations after us still have a world to live in? Home energy in America is a vital topic we need to come to terms with.
Someone recently said “The nation that harnesses the power of clean, renewable energy will be the nation that leads the 21st century.”
America’s dependence on foreign oil is a threat to its economy, environment and national security. By investing in clean energy Americans can be back in control of their energy future. Millions of new jobs could be created as well as the foundation for long-term economic growth. So what is being done in America right now to work towards independence from foreign oil and an investment in renewable energy sources?
Let’s look at a few things when it comes to home energy use.
There is a concerted effort to make homes more energy efficient by engineers and the government by setting home building standards that are effective in the North American climate. There is also an effort to eliminate barriers to home owners as they renovate their homes by providing them with easy access to clear information about their home’s energy use. The governments are also providing financing options that can reduce upfront costs in renewable energy solutions.
They are also developing and setting national standards to make sure there are qualified workers to install these new energy solutions, thus ensuring consumers benefit from their home retrofits. Governments are also establishing more stringent standards in energy efficiency for home appliances, including furnaces, air conditioners, ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, light bulbs and many other common appliances.
Though our cars are not in or a part of our houses they are a part of our daily lives. Here again new efficiency standards for cars and trucks have been established. It is a first ever in the US fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and trucks.
But these efforts by our governments do not change how we use our gas or electricity or the appliances in our homes. That is where we must come to grips with ourselves. We are responsible for what we do with our lives and with the things we use to live.
So how can we cut back on our use of oil, gas and electricity in our homes? Did you know nearly 50% of our total home energy usage is for heating and cooling?
There are many things we can do from just turning our thermostat down a degree or two in winter and up in the summer to using more efficient appliances to cutting back or turning things off when things are not being used. Another thing is making our house as efficient as possible with new energy efficient windows and doors or even simpler just stopping our heating and cooling from escaping outdoors through cracks and holes. Did you know that in the average home 50% of the heating or cooling leaks to the outdoors.
There are lots of ways you can cut back on your use of energy from sealing your home and stopping outside air infiltration, to sealing your ductwork, using energy efficient water heating techniques, the specifications that are most important when shopping for energy efficient windows.
Start today to set goals for yourself and your home to become more energy conscious and make changes that will save on your energy usage. It will save you money and help our environment be a healthier place.