Residential Energy Efficiency
The typical Mississippi family spends $1,600 annually on their home's utility bills. Home energy costs are often the second-highest expense after the mortgage payment. Unfortunately, a large portion of that energy is wasted through poorly insulated windows and doors. Also, electricity generated by fossil fuels for a single home puts more carbon dioxide into the air that two average cars. Clearly, any investment to improve your home's energy efficiency can reduce your energy bills, make your home more comfortable, while also helping to reduce air pollution.
Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency
President Bush recently signed into law the “Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008," extending consumer tax credits for energy efficient home improvements made in 2009. Improvements made in 2008 are not eligible for a tax credit. New energy efficient homes are also included in the tax credits. The bill extends tax credits for solar energy systems and fuel cells to 2016, and established new tax credits for small wind energy systems and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
• ENERGY STAR Overview of New Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives
ENERGY STAR®
The Energy Division is an official ENERGY STAR® Partner. ENERGY STAR® is a voluntary program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This label identifies energy-efficient products, appliances, equipment and building components. As an ENERGY STAR Partner, the Division educates consumers and building owners about ENERGY STAR® products which meet the strict energy guidelines set by EPA & DOE.
Homeowners can improve the energy efficiency in new and existing homes by purchasing ENERGY STAR homes and appliances. The ENERGY STAR Home program promotes the construction of energy efficient homes and provides special loan products for homes that meet their 5 star rating. ENERGY STAR appliances and office equipment - televisions, VCRs, personal computers, copiers, clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, air conditioners, lighting fixtures, windows, doors and skylights - are available from many of the Nation's leading manufacturers and retailers.
Energy Star-labeled windows can reduce home energy consumption by 40 percent annually, saving money and making the home feel more comfortable. Costs of window renovation can be paid back in 2 to 10 years, or less for new home construction.
You can also start saving money today by visiting the Home Energy Saver website. This website was developed by the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. It is a web-based do-it-yourself energy audit tool for your home that will help you identify technologies that could possibly save energy and money at home.
Take the ENERGY STAR Change a Light Pledge today! Here's a simple step we can each take to preserve energy resources, save money and help protect our environment. Join the Energy Division in changing the world, one light-one step-at a time.
To learn more about ENERGY STAR, contact Janis Hill, or visit the ENERGY STAR website.
Energy Tips for Homeowners
Take these simple steps to save energy and money at home. Also, order your free copy of Tips for Energy Savers today, see the telephone number below. Or you may download the booklet in a PDF file today.
Tips for Energy Savers ( 2.7 MB)
- Insulation – Inadequate insulation is a common problem in many homes and can lead to high energy bills. Upgrade insulation in attics, basements, exterior walls and floors. It’s a fast and easy way to save up to 30% on your energy costs.
- Heating and Cooling – Heating and cooling makes up 45% to 50% of your energy bill. Upgrade with efficient equipment, insulation and programmable thermostats. Also, properly maintaining and adjusting existing equipment can improve energy efficiency by as much as 10%.
- Air Leaks – According to the United States Department of Energy (DOE), draft-proofing your home can cut energy costs by up to 10 percent. Test your home for air tightness, and caulk, seal and weatherstrip air leaks around doors, ducts, outlets, and chimneys.
- Lighting – Switch to energy saving compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) which last use 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last 7 to 10 time. Replace just 25% of your light bulbs in high-use areas with CFLs and cut your lighting costs in half. And don’t forget, turn the lights off when leaving a room.
- Windows – Purchasing new windows? Choose an ENERGY STAR® window. Installing new, high performance windows will improve your home's energy performance. If you aren't ready to replace your windows, caulking your window seals around the glass can provide additional insulation.
- Appliances – Every appliance has two price tags, a purchase price and an energy price. Look for the ENERGY STAR® when shopping for new appliances. Appliances and other products with the ENERGY STAR® use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment.
- Low-Flow Water Fixtures – A typical family uses 700 gallons of water a week, equivalent to one person’s drinking supply for 3 years. Consider switching to low-flow, non-aerating fixtures in your kitchen and bathrooms. Reducing the amount of water in the flow uses less hot water and saves the energy that would be required to heat it.
- Landscaping – Just 3 deciduous tress planted on the south and west will shade your house in the summer and allow sun to shine through in the winter. Avoid landscaping with lots of un-shaded rock or cement on the south or west side of your home because it increases the temperature around the house and radiates heat to the house after the sun has set.
- Home Office - Working from home saves energy and time, but it may increase your home energy bills. Make sure power management features are activated and shop for ENERGY STAR® office equipment and electronics.
Request your free copy of Tips for Energy Savers today, and discover many more ways to save energy throughout your home. You may call the Energy Answerline, in Mississippi only, at 800.222.8311, for your free copy.
For more information:
Energy Division
Telephone: 601.359.6600
Fax: 601.359.6642
energydiv@mississippi.org