Energy Efficiency Resources

Reference guides, checklists, and helpful information to support your home energy efficiency projects.

Quick Reference Guides

R-Value Chart

Recommended R-Values by Climate Zone:

  • Attic: R-38 to R-60
  • Walls: R-13 to R-21
  • Floors: R-25 to R-30
  • Basement: R-10 to R-15
SEER Ratings

HVAC Efficiency Standards:

  • Minimum: SEER 14
  • Good: SEER 16-18
  • Excellent: SEER 20+
  • Heat Pumps: HSPF 8.2+
Window U-Factor

Energy Star Requirements:

  • Northern: U ≤ 0.27
  • North-Central: U ≤ 0.28
  • South-Central: U ≤ 0.30
  • Southern: U ≤ 0.40

Seasonal Maintenance Checklists

Spring Checklist

  • Schedule annual AC tune-up and filter replacement
  • Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts
  • Check weatherstripping around doors and windows
  • Test and clean exhaust fans in kitchen and bathrooms
  • Inspect attic for moisture, pests, or insulation damage
  • Clean or replace range hood filters

Summer Checklist

  • Monitor AC performance and energy bills for anomalies
  • Seal air leaks around windows and doors
  • Install or update window treatments for solar control
  • Check refrigerator coils and clean if dusty
  • Inspect and clean dryer vent
  • Test water heater temperature (120°F optimal)

Fall Checklist

  • Schedule annual heating system tune-up
  • Replace or clean furnace filters
  • Reverse ceiling fan direction for winter (clockwise)
  • Inspect and seal any new air leaks
  • Drain and winterize outdoor faucets
  • Check attic insulation levels and condition
  • Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors

Winter Checklist

  • Monitor heating system performance
  • Check for ice dams and address if present
  • Inspect weatherstripping on garage doors
  • Keep vents and radiators clear of obstructions
  • Check basement for moisture or air leaks
  • Review energy bills vs. previous years

Planning Your Energy Efficiency Project

Priority Order for Maximum Impact
  1. Air Sealing: Highest ROI, lowest cost - seal major leaks first
  2. Attic Insulation: Major impact on comfort and bills
  3. HVAC Efficiency: If system is 15+ years old, consider upgrade
  4. Water Heating: Heat pump water heaters offer 2-3x efficiency
  5. Windows: Only if single-pane or severely damaged

Understanding Energy Labels

EnergyGuide Labels

Yellow EnergyGuide labels show estimated annual energy costs and how the appliance compares to similar models. Look for:

  • Estimated yearly operating cost
  • Energy consumption in kWh per year
  • Comparison range showing most to least efficient similar models

Energy Star Certification

Products with Energy Star labels meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the EPA. They typically use 10-50% less energy than standard models.

Rebates and Incentives

Many energy efficiency improvements qualify for rebates and tax credits:

  • Federal Tax Credits: Check IRS.gov for current residential energy credits
  • Utility Rebates: Contact your local utility for available programs
  • State Programs: Many states offer additional incentives for efficiency upgrades
  • Local Programs: Some municipalities offer rebates for specific improvements
Contractor Selection Tips

When hiring for energy efficiency work:

  • Get at least three written estimates
  • Verify licenses, insurance, and certifications
  • Check references from recent similar projects
  • Ensure warranty details are in writing
  • Never pay full price upfront

Glossary of Terms

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency)
Measures furnace efficiency. Higher percentage means more heat from fuel.
Air Sealing
Closing gaps and cracks that allow conditioned air to escape and outdoor air to enter.
Blower Door Test
Professional test that measures home air leakage to identify sealing opportunities.
BTU (British Thermal Unit)
Standard unit for measuring heating and cooling capacity.
R-Value
Measures insulation's resistance to heat flow. Higher numbers mean better insulation.
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
Measures air conditioner efficiency. Higher numbers indicate greater efficiency.
Thermal Bridging
Heat transfer through materials that conduct heat better than surrounding insulation.
U-Factor
Measures window heat transfer. Lower numbers indicate better insulation value.