Small Actions That Conserve Energy Within a Home

You don’t have to overhaul your home to make it more energy efficient! There are many simple yet effective steps you can take to conserve energy at home. Here are a few:

Insulate Your Water Heater

Adding an insulation blanket around a water heater can be a simple and inexpensive way to cut energy loss. Water heaters manufactured within the last 10 years or so have more insulation than older models. Older heaters with an R-value of less than 24 could benefit from insulation, which could result in savings of 4-9% in water heating costs. A water tank that needs insulation will feel noticeably warmer than its surroundings.

Turn Down the Water Heater Temperature

Hot water heating accounts for 18% of energy consumption in the average home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. By turning down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F), you’ll prevent burns while saving 6-10% annually on water heating costs.

Replace Incandescent Bulbs with CFLs

Highly efficient light bulbs use less power to give off the same amount of light, and last longer to boot. Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, while LEDs last 25 times longer. When shopping for bulbs, only buy those that have the ENERGY STAR^® label.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat allows you to lower the temperature when no one is home and at night when everyone is sleeping, and raise it at the times you select. By turning the thermostat back 10-15 degrees for eight hours, you can save 5-15% a year on your heating bill. Again, be sure to look for the ENERGY STAR^® label when replacing your system.

Insulate Around Windows & Doors

There are often gaps around the framing of doors and windows which allow air to flow through. Adding weatherstripping around doors, and caulking around doors and windows, can stop the indoor air you’ve paid to heat from escaping.

Reduce Energy Costs with Sunrise^® Replacement Windows

By U.S. Department of Energy estimates, up to 30% of residential heating and cooling costs could be eliminated by replacing old and inefficient windows. The source of the problem is heat transfer and air drafts, which can force your HVAC system to work overtime. This not only reduces the lifespan of your HVAC but can also lead to higher monthly energy bills. When you choose Sunrise Windows, you’ll benefit from some of the most energy-efficient replacement windows available. We utilize a wide array of upgrades, including:

Virgin uPVC frames that are extremely durable, reduce heat conduction, and are filled with insulating foam that helps prevent energy loss
Low-E glass coatings that reflect infrared light to keep the sun from heating your home up during the summer months or causing your interior furnishings to fade
Dual- and triple-pane glass packages, some of which also come with gas fills between the panes
Spacers that insulate pane edges and help keep the panes the proper distance apart

For information about the most energy-efficient windows available on the market, including bay windows, casement windows and awning windows, find a Sunrise Windows dealer near you by clicking here. Our dealers utilize experienced, factory-trained technicians who provide flawless installations, so your new windows will deliver on all of their performance promises. What’s more, we back our windows with a lifetime, transferable, non-prorated warranty to provide added peace of mind.