Energy efficiency projects are great investments for homeowners. The improvements can make a home more comfortable while helping homeowners save thousands on their energy bills. When it comes to completing energy efficiency projects, many homeowners focus on insulation or HVAC upgrades without considering how other features of a home can impact energy consumption. At SMECO, we encourage homeowners to take a “whole-home approach” to energy efficiency upgrades, as recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® program. Recommended projects focus on:
- Sealing major air leaks
- Addressing indoor air quality issues
- Ensuring adequate attic ventilation
- Adding insulation
When completed together, these improvements can increase the energy efficiency of your home and deliver savings that last for years—with little need for continued maintenance.
“After participating in SMECO’s Home Energy Improvement Program, the difference was night and day— they sealed the entire attic floor, as well as around light sockets and baseboards. We saw more than a 40% reduction in the total air leakage! There’s a significant difference in the temperature and in how much the HVAC runs.”
- Frances R., La Plata, Md., SMECO member
Benefits of the Whole-Home Approach:
Before
- Conditioned air leaks out of home.
- These drafts make your home less comfortable.
- Most areas have to be sealed from inside the attic.
After
- Air leaks are sealed with caulk and foam.
- Reduced drafts equal improved comfort.
- Savings increase when combined with insulation.
Increased Efficiency and Comfort:
Air could be leaking in and out of a home through gaps, cracks, and seams in building materials. In addition to costing you money, air leaks also create drafts that let cold air in during the winter and hot air in during the summer. Since adding new insulation does little to reduce air leakage, properly sealing a home before adding insulation is critical to saving money and improving overall comfort.
Improved Air Quality
Pollutants from cleaning products, paint, air fresheners, stoves, fireplaces, humidifiers, and building materials can affect your indoor air quality. An energy expert can help you determine if your home is under-ventilated, which would allow indoor pollutants to accumulate. If necessary, they can recommend additional ventilation be added to minimize health and safety risks, plus provide peace of mind that your family is breathing fresh air.
Greater Durability
Moisture in your basement or bathroom can cause musty smells and mildew to grow inside your home. Sealing air leaks in your basement or crawl space and making sure exhaust fans are properly vented out of your home can help keep moisture out and prevent costly repairs.
Long-Term Savings
Improving the energy efficiency of your home by sealing air leaks can help you save more energy and money than adding attic insulation alone. In fact, projects recommended through SMECO’s Home Energy Improvement Program have a faster payback period than most other home improvements, including window replacements. Plus, SMECO offers valuable rebates to help you save even more.
It all starts with a home energy analysis, at no additional cost to SMECO members. When you schedule an appointment, a SMECO Energy Advisor will visit your home to help you find ways to save on your energy costs, plus:
- Install energy-saving items—like LEDs, faucet aerators, efficient-flow showerheads, smart power strips, and pipe insulation (electric and gas water heaters only)
- Discuss specific recommendations for your home, including attic and crawl space treatments, spot air sealing, duct sealing, and water heater and HVAC upgrades
- Provide a financial breakdown of the recommended upgrades, including estimated cost, SMECO rebates, and projected annual savings—you could get instant rebates up to $7,500
Learn More
Take control of your energy savings and home comfort with SMECO’s Home Energy Improvement Program. Schedule your home energy analysis today to get started.
For Further Reading:
EmPOWER Maryland programs are funded by a charge on your energy bill. EmPOWER programs can help you reduce your energy consumption and save you money. Learn more about EmPOWER and how you can participate.