Energy Efficiency

The benefits of energy efficiency include lower utility bills, reduced air pollution and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.

For existing homes, efficiency improvements fall into three categories:

Do it yourself—achieving up to 30% utility savings through simple, low cost measures that are possible even on a modest budget, such as weather-stripping and caulking, installing compact fluorescent bulbs, using ceiling fans instead of central air conditioning, or washing clothes in cold water. Energy saving tips  

Home performance improvements—achieving 30-70% utility savings by hiring a professional to conduct an energy audit, air sealing, installing new insulation (such as blowing in dense pack cellulose into existing walls) and replacing inefficient heating and hot water systems. List of energy auditors  

Deep energy retrofits—achieving 70-100% utility savings through measures such as adding on to existing walls to make room for additional insulation, and installing renewable energy systems.

Other Resources

• Simple strategies to cut utility bills
• Fun support and competition to reduce your carbon footprint
• First Energy Home Performance with Energy Star program
• Ohio Department of Development has financial incentives for energy efficiency: Office of Energy Efficiency
• Energy Star Home Improvement
• DOE energy efficiency and renewable energy information
• Architecture 2030 Climate Change Challenge homeowner information
• Passive House U.S is a green building standard promoting homes that are so efficient they may not need a standard furnace.
• Green Energy Ohio has an excellent resources on renewable energy.