When it comes to reducing energy consumption and making a positive impact on the environment, many of us feel that our individual efforts do not amount to all that much. Not true! The residential sector accounts for over 21% of total energy consumption in the United States. This is a significant amount – but it is also a significant opportunity. It means that the steps we take, as individuals, as families, and as households do contribute meaningfully and make a difference. It also means that we can make strides toward maximizing efficiency and energy bill savings. It’s a win-win scenario.
Your Energy Efficient Home = Lower Utility Bills and More Savings!
When we are talking about energy bill savings, it is helpful to use real-world information – and numbers – to get the full context. So let’s look at the big picture. Port St. Lucie is recognized as the 8th most liveable city in Florida, the 104th best city to live in the US, and one of the best places to live in the world. However, Port St. Lucie is also in the top 5% of the most expensive cities in Florida (26th). From a local context, utilities in Port St. Lucie are about 3.4% more than in West Palm Beach. So, let’s talk about how to maximize your energy bill savings.
The average electric bill is about $237/month. To this, add another few hundred for water and heating/cooling. This is undoubtedly a big expense, and heating/cooling accounts for about half of our utility costs. Any step we can take to reduce consumption and improve efficiency is a step in the right direction. Not only does it benefit our wallets, but it also impacts the environment and our future.
That said, the home in which you live plays a very large role in your costs. It follows that an energy efficient home means lower bills and more savings! Why – and how?
Eliminating Common Sources of Energy Waste
The average American spends about $2,000 each year on energy bills. Incredibly, $200 – $400 (or more depending on the home) is completely wasted. That’s right; those dollars fly right out the window. Literally. Drafts, air leaks, and inefficient heating/cooling systems are significant contributors to wasted resources and money.
An energy efficient home includes not only a tight thermal envelope (more on this in a moment) and energy-sipping appliances, it negates the issues associated with these very expensive drafts, leaks, and gaps.
Enveloping You In Comfort
As mentioned, a high-performance, energy efficient home starts with a tight thermal envelope. The term “thermal envelope” refers to any structure that separates indoor air from outdoor air. So, we’re talking about your roof, foundation, exterior walls, insulation, and windows and doors. Ensuring that there is as little air transfer as possible keeps your AC and your heat where it belongs – in your house!
Savings With Every Task
Energy efficient homes are typically equipped with Energy Star-rated appliances. Simply using a new dishwasher instead of an older model or hand washing can save two to four gallons per every load of dishes. Opting for an efficient washer saves an incredible 20 to 30 gallons per laundry cycle! Another example: a tankless water heater, which heats on demand, will cut 30%, providing you with extra energy bill savings.
You can save energy and money with each household task you tackle!
Live… Better
Synergy Homes specializes in designing and building high-performance, energy efficient homes. Our Gold and Platinum Series homes, for example, are up to 75% more efficient than existing homes and up to 50% more efficient than an average newly constructed home.
This allows our valued homeowners to achieve their goals of cutting consumption and reducing their energy bills. It also empowers them to live comfortably and elegantly without compromise.
Contact the Synergy Homes team to learn more about energy bill savings, and make the move to beautiful efficiency today.
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