Whether we are in an energy crisis or not, the idea that we can help conserve energy worldwide by making at-home improvements is not an outlandish one. Our primary energy sources are finite and aren’t necessarily environmentally friendly. Weatherization Day on October 30 provides yet another reminder that we can each do our part in our very own homes. It’s a day to celebrate, learn, and better our planet one home improvement at a time.
Making small energy-saving steps can greatly reduce your customer’s energy usage, provide better quality of life, and help employ thousands of people working to make environmentally friendly products for the home. Here are a number of ways your customers can save energy.
Detect and Reduce Air Leaks
Reducing air leaks is not only a cost-effective measure to cut the amount of energy spent on heating and cooling, but also a way to improve the overall durability and comfort in a home. Two quick and easy methods are caulk and weather strips.
Caulk is ideal for cracks and openings in stationary fixtures such as doorframes or window frames, while weather strips work best for moving parts like doors or functioning windows. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends checking for less obvious leaks, such as those created by electrical outlets, baseboards, vents, outdoor water faucets, and where siding and chimneys meet.
If you’re wondering what your customers will need for this, AM Conservation Group offers weatherization kits in three different varieties. Each Weatherization Kit has the tools needed to seal leaks and improve energy use in the home, including caulk, stripping, gaskets, gauges, outlet caps, and personalized tip sheets.
Add Insulation
Before buying insulation, it’s best to understand how it works and how it’s rated. Most insulation slows both conductive and convective heat flow, or the way heat moves through materials and the way heat circulates through liquids and gases, respectively.
Since heat flows from warmer spaces to cooler ones until temperatures balance, heat will be flowing into a house during the summer and out of it during winter. To lessen this movement, get the highest R-value (thermal resistance) insulation. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends insulating ducts, exterior walls, floors above unheated garages, and attics, as well. This can be done with blanket, foam board, loose-fill, or sprayed foam insulation.
Invest in Energy-Saving Lightbulbs and Appliances
Your customers can add to their Weatherization Day energy savings with a quick trip to the hardware store for CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs or even programmable LED lighting that can be controlled via WiFi on apps and smartphones. When shopping for appliances, especially air conditioners, homeowners should look for the Energy Star label.
Continuing Efforts to Save Energy
Weatherizing a home takes more than a day, so make sure homeowners keep up their efforts in improving their energy use. Your customers can always find the latest energy-saving measures by visiting the Weatherization Assistance Program Technical Assistance Center.
For more on ways to save energy, download our free Energy Efficiency Kit Whitepaper by clicking here or on the button below.