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New Gov Website Says Households Can Reduce Energy
Bill Up To 30 Percent
Senior citizens, many in older homes, may find
information to save a few pennies for healthcare
July 11, 2005 - Three government agencies have
combined forces to create a new Website aimed at making American homes
more energy efficient and reducing energy bills for consumers. Senior
citizens, millions financially strapped, will no doubt welcome any
reduction in household costs they can be achieved. The site sponsors say
many households could save 20 to 30 percent on their household energy
bill.
Americans spend more than $160 billion a year to
heat, cool, light, and live in our homes and seniors, many living in
older homes, probably pay more than their share.
This household energy represents about 21 percent
of the national total and includes significant demands for electricity
and natural gas. Without additional efforts to improve the efficiency of
home energy use, our national home energy bill is expected to rise to
$200 billion by 2015 and expend more of our natural resources.
The energy used in our homes also contributes about
17 percent of U.S. emissions of greenhouse gases. The government has
committed to a national goal of improving the greenhouse gas intensity
of the country by 18 percent by 2012.
With these challenges in mind, three Agencies of
the federal government are coordinating the Partnerships for Home Energy
Efficiency to make U.S. homes more energy efficient and help households
cost-effectively save 10 percent or more on their energy bills over the
next decade.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) are convinced that together with our partners we can significantly
improve the efficiency of Americas housing stock in the coming decade
by bringing better information and cost-effective services,
technologies, products, and practices to all sectors of the housing
market.
This cross-agency initiative will build on existing
policies and programs that involve partnerships with manufacturers,
retailers, home contractors and remodelers, utilities, states, financial
organizations, and educational institutions, among others, to leverage
the power and creativity of the marketplace. The initiative also will
build new coalitions and undertake new programs.
The three Agencies involved in the initiative say
they understand that a number of economic, institutional, and practical
obstacles can inhibit families and individuals from pursuing these
energy efficiency opportunities on a large scale. Market barriers, such
as lack of information and split incentives, limit expenditures on what
are, in fact, attractive investments when examined with full
information. The initiative will work to overcome these barriers.
Many households could save, they say, through
cost-effective household improvements such as:
-
Selecting products distinguished by the ENERGY
STAR label, the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, when
in the market to purchase products such as refrigerators, clothes
washers, dishwashers, and home electronics, among others,
-
Paying special attention to using ENERGY STAR
qualified light fixtures and bulbs in the most frequently used areas
of the home,
-
Improving the homes envelope by applying
appropriate amounts of insulation combined with home air sealing and
choosing high-efficiency windows when looking for replacements,
-
Improving the efficiency of heating and
cooling systems through better maintenance of equipment, sealing the
ducts carrying the conditioned air, installing modern thermostats,
and hiring a qualified expert to ensure the replacement unit is
properly sized and installed to deliver the rated efficiency, and
-
Remodeling with an eye on energy efficiency
when household improvements or renovations are underway. Many low
income and subsidized housing households could see similar savings
with assistance from the appropriate weatherization and public
housing energy programs. Households, as well as housing agencies,
that take these measures would see sufficient savings within the
first several years of a purchase or home improvement project to
offset any additional initial investment.
Following are some of the links the site
provides for homeowners:
Energy efficient
homes are less costly to own, operate and maintain, and they are more
comfortable. The Partnership for Home Energy Efficiency primarily
focuses on existing homes -- both owned and rented. The following Web
links are designed to provide practical information to improve the
energy efficiency of their properties to homeowners and rental property
owners wishing to make improvements.
Energy Star
The Energy Star website
provides information about a voluntary labeling program sponsored by the
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA). Information helps consumers and businesses easily identify
highly efficient products, homes, and buildings that save energy and
money, while protecting the environment.
http://www.energystar.gov/
Products that earn the ENERGY STAR
When looking for new
household products, look for ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR. They
meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and DOE.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR
An innovative whole-house
approach to improving the comfort and energy efficiency of your home
that depends on qualified contractors who perform a top to bottom energy
inspection of your home and make improvements. Find out if it is
available in your area.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_improvement.hm_improvement_hpwes.
Energy Savers
The Energy Savers website
offers information and tips to improve energy efficiency for both
buildings and transportation and highlights specific components and
practices that contribute to better energy efficiency.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumerinfo/energy_savers/
Consumer Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
The most complete guide to
the world of renewable energy and energy efficiency options offering
information on ways to save energy for both residential and commercial
buildings, including ways to generate electricity on-site, and how to
buy energy efficient vehicles.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumerinfo/
Energy Solutions for Your Home
From A to Z energy questions
about your home, condo or apartment, this site offers a comprehensive
set of suggestions on home energy efficiency measures, as well as an
overview of home energy use.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/info/homes/index.html
Home Energy Efficiency Mortgages
Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs)
EEMs recognize that reduced utility expenses can permit a homeowner to
pay a higher mortgage to cover the cost of the energy improvements on
top of the approved mortgage. FHA EEMs provide mortgage insurance for a
person to purchase or refinance a principal residence and incorporate
the cost of energy-efficient improvements into the mortgage. The
borrower does not have to qualify for the additional money and does not
make a downpayment on it. The mortgage loan is funded by a lending
institution, such as a mortgage company, bank, or savings and loan
association, and the mortgage is insured by HUD.
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/energyenviron/energy/apply/fha.cfm
For more information go to -
http://www.energysavers.gov/
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