How can I make my home more energy efficient?

Change your behavior. Commit to using less energy, using less energy to do the same tasks. Use energy efficient appliances, light bulbs, reduce water flow, (cheaper changes). Ensure you ventilate your house sufficiently. Insulate your home (if not already)Renewable energy does not make your house hold energy use more efficient, but can encourage efficient behavior. NZ info can be found here http://www.energywise.govt.nz/your-home   and here http://www.ecodesignadvisor.org.nz/factsheets/

Correctly dimensioned and distributed high energy class HVAC systems with invertersBetter insulation designed optimally according to current specificationsThermal solar water heaterShading during the summer (especially on the windows)Combinations of electrical devices that consume less energy, yet able to cover your needsAutomations that reduce energy useAlternative sources of energy may be a good solution at times (e.g. PV systems)

Energy Efficiency is interesting topic for homeowners and we like to share a few ideas that helped us make homes more energy efficient. 1. Solar Panels are crucial in any green building and energy efficiency services for residential homes. Solar panels help produce renewable energy for homeowners. 2. LED Lights throughout the house lets you turn on all your lights while you use much less energy then traditional lights. Adding automation will help you keep lights off when you are not using them and on when you need it. 3. Energy Efficiency windows are another great way to keep homeowners doing everything possible to save energy and save money. Energy efficient windows even have rebates available for homeowners. 4. Weatherization, caulkings and sealing your entire house is another great way. Why heat a home with thousands of leaks when you can seal it and use less! Here are a few tips. Check us out at http://www.innercityskylineinc.com

Insulation serves as resistance to heat flow from a warm space to a cooler one. The more heat flow resistance provided by your insulation, the lower your heating and cooling costs, and the more consistent the temperature within your home. During the winter months, heat flows directly from all heating living spaces to adjacent unheated attics, garages, basements, and even outside. That's why you may feel most comfortable in sweats and socks when sleeping! Heat flow can also move indirectly through interior ceilings, walls and floors - just about anywhere there is a difference in temperature. That's why it's never a good idea to close off registers in a seldom-used room, because the heat will eventually flow there anyway. During the summer months, things go in reverse with heat flowing from the sunny outdoors to the cool interior of your home.

Also, turn down the thermostat by 5 degrees and wear warmer clothing. The greater the temperature difference between indoor temp and outdoor temp makes for greater heat loss. Also the temp setback means the your furnace comes on later in the season actually shortening your heating season.

- Insulate your home - Revamp your windows. - Replace old appliances - Use your appliances efficiently. - Keep your water heater warm. - Fix the furnace. - Switch from incandescent to fluorescent. - Add solar panels. - Finally, make sure to take advantage of the tax  incentives for energy-efficient home improvements that are available  through the federal government.