Energy efficient upgrades that pay off

Have you ever wondered which energy-saving upgrades are worth it?  Here are some energy efficient upgrades that will pay-off:

• Switch to low-flow toilets and you can reduce the water used for toilets by 20 to 60 percent.

• Installing weather stripping to an older home can reduce heating costs by 10 to 20 percent.

• Adding or upgrading insulation in an under or un-insulated attic or basement can pay off quickly in energy bills.

• Using a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the indoor air temperatures lower or higher to save on heating and cooling costs will pay for itself in less than a year.

• Replacing inefficient showerheads with a water saving model will will save the average family 2,900 gallons per year and 370 kilowatt hours of electricity. There are some showerheads that offer the same level of pressure while using less water.

• Upgrading from incandescent light bulbs requires spending more on replacement bulbs, but with the energy savings and longer lifespan, LED bulbs pay for themselves in about three years, and CFL bulbs can pay for themselves in as little as three months. This will cut your electricity bill by 2-4%.

• Installing a water heater blanket is an inexpensive way to save you 4 to 9 percent in water heating costs.

• Upgrading to Energy Star appliances can reduce energy costs dramatically, especially if your current fridge or dishwasher was manufactured before 1990.

• Switch to a front load washing machine and you can save you about $150 a year, using 35 to 50 percent less water and up to 50 percent less electricity than a conventional top-loading model.

• Upgrading an older heating system to a high-efficiency furnace is a good investment if your system is older than 20 years.

AJ CONSTRUCTION AND Development is always thinking of ways to save money and energy for our clients. Call us when thinking about your next remodel or custom home!

Serving Tri-Cities, Washington. Pasco, Kennewick, Richland, West Richland, Benton City, Burbank, and Finley Washington.