Why the Benefit of Energy Efficiency Really Shows Up In Summer
Energy-efficient appliances, materials, and tools create value year round, but property owners really see a difference during extreme weather. During very hot or cold seasons, energy-efficient products deliver a similar experience to non-efficient products, without significantly increasing energy costs or usage rates.
The Basics of Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient products and materials reduce the total amount of energy a product uses. In effect, efficient insulation reduces the load on an air condition system, efficient lightbulbs use less total wattage to light up a room, and efficient washing machines use less water and electricity to wash clothes. Each product or material requires independent research and development – innovators must break down the core functionality of the product and find new ways to complete the same job while saving energy.
In the case of the light bulb, for instance, using an alternative technology such as LED instead of incandescent bulbs completely changes the energy equation. LED bulbs and other efficient bulb technologies use up to 80% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
Benefits of Investing in Energy Efficient Products This Summer
In the summer, in particular, energy-efficient products and materials effortlessly reduce the amount of energy spaces need to maintain a comfortable temperature. Common benefits homeowners enjoy from energy-efficient products, such as efficient windows, lighting, insulation, and doors include:
• Cost savings over time. As of two years ago, Energy Star-rated products had contributed to $34 billion in utility savings for Americans, which showcases the financial value in opting for efficient products and materials. Every energy-efficient building material increases home insulating qualities, thereby reducing the amount of energy an air-conditioning system uses to maintain comfortable temperatures.
• Improved quality of life. If you’ve ever walked into a green home or building, you may notice something different about the space. Efficient spaces are quiet and serene, because they don’t need to rely on the constant hum of equipment to maintain a cool and comfortable space.
• Environmental friendliness. Energy-efficient technologies often do more than use less energy. They may also feature sustainable materials and enjoy improved life expectancies. Efficient craftsmanship can save limited resources, reduce pollution, and reduce a family’s total environmental impact.
Even a small change, such as swapping out incandescent bulbs for LED ones, can reduce the energy used and the unnecessary heat emitted from indoor lighting. As the mercury rises, consider how an energy-efficient investment could change your summer living experience.