Energy efficiency is not just some current trend in environmentally sound and biophilic building design. Energy efficient buildings and homes are our future and will only become more important as the human population grows. Eco-friendly improvements and easy, practical solutions can help retain energy and ensure efficient building construction and renovations. Taking these simple steps below can save energy and save money for building owners as well.
Insulate piping and HVAC ducts to lower utility bills and conserve energy. Properties that have energy leaks can create high energy bills and make an HVAC system work harder to maintain the desired temperature. With proper insulation, however, you can alleviate these concerns. It is also important to properly insulate hot and cold water piping and mechanical systems. Closed-cell, elastomeric foam insulation like ArmaFlex® provides thermal efficiency along with the necessary prevention of condensation and water vapor transmission on cold water piping and air handling systems. Our closed-cell elastomeric foam insulation solutions are fiber-free, non-particulating, have low VOCs and have the added advantage of antimicrobial protection. Check out our DIY Installation Guide.- Dirty air ducts can contribute to loss of energy, so regularly cleaning ducts and changing filters helps HVAC systems run efficiently.
Replace light bulbs with light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) as they use about 50% less electricity and last up to 25 times longer than conventional bulbs. Additionally, the Department of Energy announced new efficiency standards to end the production and sale of high-energy incandescent bulbs that comes into effect in August of 2023. This federal law will also prohibit the sale of bulbs with a luminous efficacy of fewer than 45 lumens per watt. This will phase out the majority of incandescent bulbs and halogen lamps currently on the market.
Weatherize a building by sealing air leaks from cracks or openings around vents, windows, and doors. Using caulking or weatherstripping can significantly improve the energy efficiency of a building by reducing air by sealing the movable connections, providing better protection against air drafts.
By following these four simple steps, you can help conserve natural resources and improve energy efficiency all while saving some green.