HEATING AND COOLING
If your project involves an expansion of living space, your current HVAC system may be inadequate to efficiently handle the additional space. And, if the unit is several years old, an upgrade is probably in order. Heating systems, especially in colder climates, consume more than half the energy used in a traditional home, and are responsible for releasing a billion tons or more of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually. Upgrading to a more efficient HVAC system can both reduce your utility bills and harmful emissions.

Heating systems vary by region because of the available energy sources and local climatic conditions; therefore, there is no single recommendation for a “best” or “most efficient system.” I have listed some of the more common types below:

Geothermal
Gas or Oil Forced Air
Electric Resistance
Heat Pumps
Wood Fired

The key is to consult with a professional HVAC contractor and to discuss the options that fit your budget, design criteria, and energy needs. Then, choose the most efficient system possible that works in your situation.

WATER HEATING
One of the least understood yet most used appliances in a home is the water heater. Water heaters are the second largest consumer of energy in a home, following heating and cooling. The general life-span of the average water heater is about 10 years, and while many may last beyond that, their efficiency decreases with age.

One of the latest innovations in water heating is the “tankless” version. Although they have been in use for many years, their popularity has grown in recent times in conjunction with rising energy costs. The tankless models have the additional advantage of having a lifespan approximately double that of a conventional water heater. Tankless water heaters do cost more to install than conventional models, but the long-term savings significantly surpasses the initial costs. Consult with your plumber to determine if a tankless heater will work for you.

If, however, your choice is a conventional water heater, you can still reap savings. The newer models are significantly more efficient than their older counterparts. You can also increase the efficiency by installing an insulation blanket around the water heater; however, check the specifications of your particular model, as some newer “superinsulated” water heaters recommend not adding the blanket, and to do so voids the warranty.

Size the water heater to fit your average needs; don’t oversize. Doing so wastes significant amounts of energy. Try to locate the water heater as close as possible to the areas of highest use. It is also recommended to set the thermostat to 120 degrees which both conserves energy and reduces the risk of scalding.

OTHER APPLIANCES
Another potential energy hog is the dishwasher. Inefficient dishwashers waste both water and energy, and many older models do a poor job of cleaning. Buy one with an EnergyStar® rating. The upgrading costs will usually be recouped in less than five years.

Older refrigerators also consume dramatically more energy than newer ones, and if your renovation calls for a new refrigerator, purchase one with the EnergyStar® rating. If your old one is at least ten years old, the new refrigerator could allow you to reap 40% or more in energy savings. While it’s common to buy refrigerators larger than we need; it’s better to analyze your needs before purchasing.

Washing machines and dryers are also major energy consumers, and the new front loading washers use significantly less water and energy than older top loading models. While the initial costs is greater, the savings can be substantial. Again, if your plans call for the purchase of a new washer or dryer, make sure the one you purchase carries the EnergyStar® seal.

Reprinted by permission from TheHousingGuru.com

The key to getting dishes clean is using very hot water. Some dishwashers have a device that raises the temperature of the water coming out of your water heater.

Another feature you’ll like is a built-in food disposer. It grinds up food particles and flushes them out with the waste water. So they won’t end up re-deposited on your dishes.

Check the size of the spray holes on the wash arms. The smaller the holes are, the more scrubbing power they provide your dishwasher.

Check to be certain the dishwasher offers the cycles you need for the types of dishes you have. From pots and pans to fine china and crystal there’s a cycle for just about anything.

If you wash dishes only once every two or three days, you’ll want a rinse and hold cycle to prevent build up.

Make sure the rack system will allow you to load the dishes easily. Some dishwashers feature fold-down shelving to give you greater flexibility.

A delay-start timer will start your dishwasher when the energy rates are lower.

Some dishwashers use sensor technology to detect how dirty the dishes are and then adjust the cycle accordingly. You can start the washer with a touch of a button, and this feature prevents water from being wasted.

The amount of insulation around the dishwasher tub reduces the noise, so check to see how thick the insulation is. Thicker insulation will make the dishwasher more quiet.

Information courtesy of Lowe’s.