Make Eco-Friendly Moves for Earth Day

How-To

This Earth Day, consider how energy-efficient home products can make an environmental impact every day of the year.

Read on to learn the benefits of energy-efficient products and how to be more sustainable in your renovations.

The Dual Benefits of Energy Efficiency

A professional servicing an HVAC unit — *_{Photo courtesy of Getty Images.}*

Energy-efficient exterior home products benefit both the planet and your wallet. They work by limiting heat transfer between the outdoors and your home. Though exterior products do not directly use electricity, they optimize performance by reducing the workload of your heating and cooling systems. The result? Lower energy consumption, a cleaner environment, and reduced utility bills.

For example, in a poorly insulated home, heat rises through the attic and escapes through cracks in the structure. This forces your HVAC system to work even harder to maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the rest of your home, thereby running even more electricity. Proper insulation improves airflow, extends your HVAC system’s lifespan, and significantly cuts energy use.

Smart Ways to Reduce Your Energy Footprint

A woman in warm clothes due to the heat being off. She is sitting in a chair with her laptop. — *_{Photo courtesy of Getty Images.}*

Energy bills can be expensive. But adding energy-efficient home products can regulate your home’s temperature and spare you from wearing your coat indoors to save a few bucks, not just on Earth Day, but every day. Here’s how:

Upgrade your Exteriors

A white POWER hero house in Atlanta with new windows. — *_{Newly installed windows by POWER professionals.}*

These common exterior upgrades offer substantial energy savings:

Windows — Energy-efficient windows are made from vinyl or synthetic substances and include two panes of glass, an insulated frame, and Argon Gas.
Siding — Insulated vinyl siding is bolstered by a foam or cellulose backing, which adds R-value and lowers the chance of cracks or damage.
Doors — Not only do energy-efficient doors benefit the environment, but their sleek aesthetic also increases your home’s curb appeal and results in significant cost savings for your wallet.

Look out for a product’s energy rating — the balance of three measurements: U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), and air leakage. The lower the number, the more energy-efficient the product is across all three measurements individually.

Get Smart with Appliances

*_{The interior of a POWER renovated home.}*

If you’re in the market for new appliances, consider ENERGY STAR-certified appliances. These top-rated products meet strict energy performance guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, increasing your home’s energy efficiency.

Pay It Forward

*_{A POWER professional removes an existing door before installing a new one.}*

After a remodel, donate any materials or items you no longer need instead of discarding them. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity accept leftover flooring, tiles, lumber, and doors to support families in need while preventing landfill waste.

As you consider your next home improvement project, remember that sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Even incremental changes toward greater energy efficiency contribute to a healthier planet and a more resilient home. Make every day Earth Day by choosing products that work smarter, last longer, and tread more lightly on the environment.

Ready to future-proof your home? Take a look at POWER’s offerings.

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