CHESTER, Pa., Oct. 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- October is National Energy Awareness Month and a great time to evaluate the things you can do to your home to make it as energy efficient as possible. According to Energy.gov, the typical U.S. family spends at least $2,000 a year on home utility bills. By implementing eco-friendly products and energy-saving methods this fall, not only will you have a hand in making the environment better, but also can lower utility bills by 25% over time. Power Home Remodeling Group, one of the nation's largest exterior home remodelers, offers 10 tips for homeowners to make their home more energy efficient.
"At Power, we are committed to a culture of environmental responsibility and being advocates for the homeowners that we serve," said Matt Hess, vice president of operations for Power Home Remodeling Group. "It's important to us that we educate them about the best improvements to make to their homes, while also considering the environment, and believe these tips will be helpful as they head into the fall and cooler months."
When it comes to making a home more energy efficient, there are a number of things that homeowners may not even think of — from a new cleaning routine to staying up-to-date with today's modern technology by installing a high-tech thermostat. Here are Power's top 10 tips:
- Smart Appliances – For new installs or replacements, look for better, energy-efficient appliances and building products like Energy Star. Simply replacing appliances isn't enough — choosing one that is considered a top energy saving option is key. According to Energy.gov, Energy Star products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
- High-Tech Thermostats – Consider investing in a high-tech programmable thermostat like the "Nest Learning Thermostat" that learns from homeowners' activity, programs itself automatically and helps save energy when no one is home. It can even be controlled through a smartphone app!
- Don't Forget The Filter – Regularly change the filter on the air conditioning and heating unit, as a dirty air filter can make your furnace work harder and use more energy.
- Smart Power Strips – Buy a new, smart power strip that is geared toward saving more energy. For example, the Modlet is a gadget that plugs into your wall outlet and connects to your computer or smartphone, allowing you to monitor how much energy your electronics and appliances are using when they're plugged in. Then, it lets you set a schedule for turning devices on and off. Per the company's website, the Modlet can save you up to 10% off your energy bill.
- Recycling Water – Inspect your sprinkler system for leaks and even consider collecting rainwater to water plants and the lawn. Enhance your curb appeal in the process and purchase a rain collection system that can be camouflaged as a decorative piece on your lawn, such as a barrel, charcoal rocks or a flowerpot.
- Leaky Windows & Doors – Replace single-glazed windows with low thermal emissivity windows to reduce heat transfer and keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Windows and doors should be regularly checked to make sure they're properly sealed to avoid heat from escaping.
- Light-Colored Roofs – Choose a light-colored roof or add a ridge vent to decrease heat transferred to the attic. Also consider adding insulation to the attic to lower temperatures.
- Dual Flush Toilets – Replace your toilets with dual flush options. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, toilets consume up to 30% of a home's average water use and a dual flush toilet could save two billion gallons per day across the country.
- Replace Light Bulbs – Replace CFL lights with LED lights, as they use less energy and last five times longer — or take it a step further and control your lighting with custom-made hardware that allows you to adjust your lights from your phone. Carnes Audio is one of many vendors that install these types of controlled systems.
- Consider Fans – Add ceiling or portable fans to your home to help circulate air and cut down on air conditioner use.
About Power Home Remodeling Group
Established in 1992, Power Home Remodeling Group is the nation's second largest exterior home remodeler with more than 1,600 employees, 200,000 customers and forecasting $400 million in revenue by the end of 2015. Headquartered in Chester, Pa., Power provides energy-saving and environmentally friendly remodeling solutions to residents across its operating territories, including Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Rhode Island and Virginia. A six-time Inc. 5000 company, Power was recently named the No. 1 Best Place to Work for Millennials by Fortune and is recognized as a Master Elite contractor by GAF, Inc., a Green Product Award winner by Door & Window Manufacturer Magazine and a home improvement leader by its two-time "Dealer of the Year" award from Window and Door Magazine.
For more information, please visit PowerHRG.com or WorkatPower.com. You can also follow the company on Twitter @PowerHRG, Facebook at facebook.com/PowerHRG and Instagram at instagram.com/Power HRG.
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SOURCE Power Home Remodeling Group
