How Can I Retrofit My Home For Energy Efficiency?

Energy efficiency retrofits involve upgrading and modifying existing buildings to reduce energy consumption and costs. With rising energy prices and climate change concerns, retrofitting has become an extremely popular way for homeowners and businesses to “green” their properties.

According to Grand View Research, the global energy retrofit systems market size was estimated at $149.47 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2023 to 2030.^[1] Retrofits can reduce a building’s energy use by 20-50% typically.^[2]

The main benefits of energy efficiency retrofits include:
– Lower utility bills and operating costs
– Improved comfort, air quality, and livability
– Increased property value
– Reduced carbon footprint and environmental impact
– Potential tax credits, rebates, and incentives
– Prolonged lifespan of existing structures

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the most impactful ways to retrofit a home for improved energy efficiency and sustainability.

Table of Contents

Insulation

One of the best ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency is by adding insulation. According to the EPA, homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by properly insulating their homes [1]. The key areas to insulate are the attic, exterior and basement walls, ceilings, floors, and crawl spaces. Insulating these areas prevents heat transfer and reduces energy costs [2].

There are several types of insulation to consider:

Fiberglass – Made from glass fibers and commonly used for attics and walls. Pros are low cost and easy installation. Con is potential skin irritation from fibers.
Mineral Wool – Made from natural materials like rock or slag. Used for attics, walls and floors. Similar pros and cons as fiberglass.

Cellulose – Made from recycled paper products. Used to insulate attics, walls and floors. Pros are good sound absorption and fire resistance. Con is settles over time.
Spray Foam – Applied as a liquid then expands to fill spaces. Used for walls, attics, crawl spaces. Pros are air sealing and custom fit. Con is high cost.

When selecting insulation, consider the R-value (thermal resistance), location, and ease of installation. Proper installation is key to maximizing energy savings.

Windows

Replacing old, inefficient windows with new energy efficient models can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, energy efficient windows cut heating and cooling costs by 10-12% on average.

Newer windows often have improved glazing that reduces heat transfer. Double or triple glazing with low-emissivity coatings and gas fills like argon provide better insulation. Energy Star certified windows must have a U-factor of 0.27 to 0.32 or lower, meaning they allow minimal heat conduction.

As an alternative to full window replacement, window films can also improve efficiency. Low-emissivity films block UV rays and reflect heat back into a room. According to one source, window film installation costs around $6 to $8 per square foot and can reduce energy costs by 20-30% in some climates.

Heating & Cooling

Upgrading your HVAC system to a newer, more efficient model can significantly reduce your home’s energy use and costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR certified heating and cooling equipment can yield annual energy bill savings of 10-30% when properly installed (source). Look for the ENERGY STAR label when shopping for a new HVAC system.

Installing a programmable or smart thermostat is another way to boost HVAC efficiency. Smart thermostats can optimize heating and cooling cycles based on your behavior patterns, leading to savings of up to 10% on heating and 15% on cooling per year (source). Make sure to get a thermostat that is compatible with your HVAC system.

Sealing ductwork leaks can improve efficiency by up to 20% (source). Use mastic sealant or metal tape to seal leaks and connections in ductwork. Also insulate ducts that run through unheated spaces like attics, garages, or crawlspaces.

Water Heating

Water heating accounts for about 18% of your home’s energy use and is typically the second largest energy expense in any home (https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/water-heating). There are several ways you can reduce your water heating costs through efficiency upgrades:

Install an on-demand or tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters provide hot water only as needed, reducing standby losses associated with storage tank heaters. They can reduce water heating costs by 24-34% (https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/water-heating).

Upgrade to a heat pump water heater. Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat from the air into the water, reducing electricity usage by 50-65% compared to electric resistance heaters (https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/heat-pump-water-heaters).

Insulate hot water pipes. Insulating pipes reduces standby losses as hot water sits in the pipes. Insulating the first 6 feet of outlet and inlet pipes can reduce losses by 25-45% (https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/water-heating).

Appliances

Replacing old appliances with new ENERGY STAR models can provide significant energy savings. According to the ENERGY STAR, switching to an ENERGY STAR refrigerator alone can save you $300 over the life of the appliance.

ENERGY STAR certified appliances incorporate advanced technologies that use 10-50% less energy and water than standard models. For example, an ENERGY STAR dishwasher uses advanced sensors to optimize water temperatures and flow, using less water and energy per cycle. Overall, replacing all major appliances with ENERGY STAR models can save a household more than $80 per year.

When shopping for new appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR label to identify the most efficient models. While ENERGY STAR appliances may cost more upfront, the energy savings can provide a return on your investment in as little as 1-3 years through lower utility bills. Over the 10-20 year lifespan of most appliances, ENERGY STAR models prove to be a smart investment.

Lighting

One of the easiest ways to improve home energy efficiency is by upgrading to LED light bulbs. LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs ^[1]. This can lead to significant cost savings over time. For example, replacing a 60W incandescent bulb that’s on for 3 hours per day with a comparable 10W LED bulb can save around $125 over the bulb’s lifespan ^[2].

Installing occupancy sensors is another way to maximize lighting efficiency. These automatically turn lights on and off based on detecting motion. Positioning them in infrequently used areas like closets, basements, and bathrooms ensures lights aren’t wasting energy when no one is around.

Finally, take advantage of natural daylighting wherever possible. Open blinds and curtains during the day to brighten interior spaces. Strategically placed skylights can also help reduce the need for artificial lighting.

Renewables

One of the most effective ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency is by utilizing renewable energy sources. Popular renewable options for homes include solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal heat pumps.

Solar panels can significantly reduce your electricity bills by generating clean energy from sunlight. The average home solar system produces between 750 and 850 kilowatt hours per year. According to Energysage, today’s standard home solar panels have power ratings between 350-450 watts ^[1]. Installing solar allows you to reduce grid dependence and even sell excess electricity back to utility companies.

Small wind turbines can also be installed on properties to harness wind energy. Their power output depends on wind speeds and turbine size. While less common than solar, wind power can still offset electricity usage.

Geothermal heat pumps utilize shallow ground warmth to heat and cool your home. These systems can reduce energy consumption by up to 60% compared to conventional HVAC systems. They use buried pipes and a heat exchanger to transfer warmth between the ground and your home.^[2]

By tapping into renewable energy sources, you can retrofit your home to become more sustainable and energy efficient.

Smart Home Technology

Smart home technology refers to devices and systems that connect appliances, lighting, heating/cooling systems, entertainment systems, and security systems to the internet and allow them to be remotely monitored and controlled. According to Statista, the US smart home market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.13% between 2024-2028, reaching $55 billion by 2028 [1]. MarketsandMarkets predicts the global smart home market will reach $163.7 billion by 2028 [2].

Some key smart home technologies for energy efficiency retrofits include:

– Smart thermostats that optimize heating and cooling based on occupancy, weather forecasts, and energy prices. Popular options include Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell smart thermostats.

– Smart lighting systems like Philips Hue that automate lighting based on time of day and room occupancy. Features like dimming, scheduling, and integration with security systems help save energy.

– Smart plugs and power strips from brands like TP-Link and Wemo allow remote control of appliances and devices. This allows you to cut phantom loads and only power devices when needed.

– Smart meters provide detailed tracking of energy consumption data that can be analyzed to find savings opportunities. Utility providers are rolling out smart meters, but additional monitors like Sense and Eyedro can provide appliance-level insights.

– Home energy storage solutions like Tesla Powerwall store solar or grid power and provide backup during outages. Time-based control allows shifting load to off-peak hours.

Proper installation, integration, and programming is key to maximize energy savings from smart home technologies in a retrofit.

Financial Incentives for Home Energy Efficiency

The federal government, state governments, and utility companies offer financial incentives to encourage homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient. The main types of financial incentives available are tax credits, rebates, and low-interest loans.

Tax credits allow you to deduct a percentage of the cost of eligible energy efficiency home improvements from your federal income taxes. For 2022, the federal residential energy efficiency tax credit is 26% of costs up to $500 for qualifying improvements like adding insulation, energy efficient windows and doors, heating and cooling systems, and water heaters. See the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit details on the IRS website.

Many utility companies and state/local governments offer rebates to offset the upfront costs of energy efficient upgrades like installing ENERGY STAR certified appliances, heating and cooling systems, insulation, and windows. Rebates can range from $50 to $5,000+ depending on your location and the improvements made. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency to find rebates in your state.

Low-interest loans for energy efficiency projects are available through utility companies, state programs, and some banks. These loans make financing expensive upgrades more affordable by reducing interest rates to around 3-7%. Ask your utility provider if they offer low-interest on-bill financing loans.