The most important feature of an energy-efficient home may be a resident with good energy conservation habits: such as turning off lights in an empty a room, etc. But if you’re really serious about bringing down your household energy usage, take note of the following essentials. (If the cost savings from these investments isn’t enough incentive, remember that you can claim the cost of the first three improvements on this list for federal tax credits as part of the America Taxpayer Relief Act.) If your HVAC system is 10 years old or older or isn’t working properly, consider an energy-efficient replacement. No matter how you maintain climate control – furnace, boiler, geothermal heat pump, central air conditioner – an energy-efficient version is available. Just look for the Energy Star rating. By the way, a home’s central air conditioner usually operates using the blower motor from the furnace. If you replace your air conditioner unit with a more energy-efficient version and attach it to your old furnace, you will diminish the new system’s effectiveness.

(Any energy-efficient HVAC component can be claimed for a tax credit!) If your home has older windows, as much as 25 percent of your heat and cooled air could be escaping through them. You can reduce air leakage by weather stripping movable parts of your windows and doors and caulking the gaps and cracks in stationary parts. how to change air filter on ac unitBut, if you want to have a real impact on your energy bill, replace those drafty windows and energy-efficient ones. home rooftop ac unitsThe investment will pay for itself and then some. portable a/c unit ukAnd don’t forget the tax credit! Energy experts call the barrier between the inside of your home and outdoors the “thermal envelope.” Walls, doors and windows are all part of that envelope, but the most critical components may be the home’s insulation and the caulk and weather stripping used to seal up gaps and cracks.

Your home should be completely blanketed – exterior walls, floors and ceiling/attic – with the right type of insulation. No matter what variety you use (batt, blown-in, sprayed/injected or rigid) be sure it is properly installed to achieve its full energy-saving potential. Yes, insulation installation is eligible for the tax-credit! A programmable thermostat allows you to set your HVAC system to work only when you need it without having to constantly adjust the thermostat. By taking the time to program it, you can set it to lower the heat or air conditioning after you leave and turn it back up just before you arrive home. This can save as much 30 percent on your energy bill. Often, these gadgets are like little boxes of unclaimed cash hanging on the wall. It is estimated that about half of the households with programmable thermostats do not use them properly – or at all. If that sounds like you, or you aren’t sure how to operate your programmable thermostat, consult your thermostat owner’s manual (or, chances are you can find instructions online).

If your thermostat isn’t programmable, consider exchanging it for one that is. The Energy Star program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency labels products as Energy Star rated when they are proven by a third-party certifier to be highly energy efficient and, as a result, less expensive to operate. Look for the Energy Star rating on products including light fixtures, ventilation fans, and major appliances including refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers. www.nrel.gov (National renewable energy laboratory of Department of Energy)The COOLAdvantage Program provides rebates for energy efficient central air conditioners or heat pumps as well as "best practices" on proper sizing and installation that affect operating efficiency.You can now Apply Online! Note: The SEP funding is currently available for oil, propane and municipal electric customers who wish to participate in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, WARMAdvantage and COOLAdvantage Programs.

Increase your Energy-Saving IQ Energy Saving Tips for Your Home Heating and Cooling Rebate High Efficiency Heat Pumps Choosing an LED bulb Programmable Thermostat Instruction Guides Insulation and Window Rebate Solar and Renewable Energy for Home Home Water Heater Protection Resources for Residential Trade Allies Gain Energy Saving Insights Energy-Saving Tips for Your Business Energy Analyzer for Small Businesses Earn Rebates and Incentives Business Energy Rebates – Standard Business Energy Rebates – Custom Small Business Lighting Rebates Programmable Thermostat Instruction Guide Renewable and Solar Energy for Business Resources For Commercial Trade Allies Save hundreds when you upgrade to a qualifying energy-efficient heating or cooling system, installed by an authorized contractor. As much as half of the energy you use at home goes to heating and cooling. Today’s high-efficiency units can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs—saving you more than $115 a year on energy costs, according to energy.gov.

ENERGY STAR®-certified heat pump water heaters can save a household of four approximately $330 compared to a standard electric water heater—and more than $3,500 over the unit’s lifetime, according to energy.gov. If your equipment is more than 10 years old or not keeping your home comfortable, consider replacing it with high-efficiency models. You’ll save on energy costs and enjoy a more comfortable home all year. You may also be eligible for Federal tax credits. Don’t wait until your old equipment fails. Save now with KCP&L’s Heating and Cooling Rebate and save season after season with lower energy costs. To receive rebates for heating and cooling upgrades, you must be a Missouri KCP&L residential customer and: Find an authorized contractor and schedule an appointment with them. Your authorized contractor will check your current system to see how you can benefit from various available upgrades and rebates. Once your upgrades are installed, your authorized contractor will submit the rebate application on your behalf.