Home & Garden
5 Energy Efficiency Tips To Help Beat The Heat (And The Bills)
A no-cost home energy assessment can help improve the efficiency and impact of your air conditioning system.
Summer is upon us, and as the temperatures rise, so do energy bills. You’ll likely be cranking up your air conditioning system in an effort to beat the heat — but if your home isn’t energy-efficient, that cool air may not have its intended effect in keeping you comfortable.
Whether you're a homeowner, renter or landlord, National Grid offers no-cost Home Energy Assessments to help ensure you’re getting the most out of your air conditioner this summer. In this assessment, an Energy Specialist will provide valuable information on your home’s energy consumption, as well as tools and strategies to save energy this summer and all year long.
Are you ready for your most comfortable and cost-efficient summer yet? Here are five ways you can beat the heat — and the bills — with a Home Energy Assessment.
1. Install High-Efficiency Equipment
Following your Home Energy Assessment, you can connect with your Energy Specialist for personalized recommendations on how to make your home more energy-efficient. Any recommended high-efficiency equipment can then be delivered to you. This may include:
- Advanced power strips. In contrast to standard power strips, advanced power strips use three outlet types: the control outlet (the main device plugged in), the controlled outlets (anything plugged into the main device) and “always on” outlets. The advanced power strip can identify and stop sending electricity to any controlled outlets that are turned off, thereby decreasing energy consumption for devices not in use. If advanced power strips are recommended as part of your Home Energy Assessment, you may receive them at no cost.
- LED light bulbs. Compared to traditional fluorescent bulbs, LED light bulbs consume less energy and last longer. Not only can LED lights be dimmed and brightened depending on your need, but they emit light only in one direction, which reduces their overall energy usage. If LED light bulbs are recommended as part of your Home Energy Assessment, you may receive them at no cost.
- Programmable thermostats. Programmable thermostats allow you to set your heating and cooling to different temperatures for different times of the day. For example, you might program your thermostat to stop pumping cold air when you leave for work, then begin cooling a few minutes before you return home. Smart thermostats carry additional advantages, including the ability to “learn” your air/heating preferences and remote access via your smartphone. Income-eligible households may receive programmable thermostats at no cost.
2. Update Insulation And Air Sealing
If deemed necessary by your Energy Specialist, you can opt in to update your insulation and air sealing throughout your home. Proper insulation reduces the rate of heat transfer between your house and the outdoor air and ensures that your cool air isn’t escaping through any open spaces. Proper insulation and air sealing can significantly cut your air conditioning and, as well as decrease drafts to better control humidity. e, while also keeping pests from entering your home — thereby preventing other home-related issues that can become costly down the line.
Common locations for insulation replacement include attics, basements and walls, where unwanted air can often escape and enter. Your home may also benefit from air sealing around doors, windows, chimneys and baseboards. Together, insulation and air sealing can limit where air can enter and escape from your home, ensuring that your cool air stays exactly where it is intended.
3. Replace Of Eligible Appliances
In addition to installing energy-efficient power strips, thermostats and lighting, your home (and bills) could also benefit from upgrading your appliances. Your Energy Specialist will assess various appliances to determine if they are eligible for replacement. These may include:
- Refrigerators and freezers.
- Dehumidifiers.
- Window air conditioner units.
- Washers and dryers.
- Stoves.
In many cases, you can receive additional discounts or rebates on your new energy-efficient appliances, as well as get your old appliances picked up at no additional charge.*
4. Leverage Energy Efficiency Incentives
During your Home Energy Assessment, your Energy Specialist will also inform you of any energy efficiency rebates and incentives which you can leverage. Depending on the recommendations from your assessment as well as your individual circumstances, you may be eligible for any or all of the following:
- Rebates of up to $25,000 for replacing your existing systems with energy-efficient cooling equipment.
- A 0 percent interest loan for select energy-efficiency improvements.
- Discounts on approved insulation and air sealing, up to 100 percent off.
- Up to $7,000 for mitigating barriers to insulation or air sealing improvements, such as the removal of vermiculite or knob and tube wiring.
Additionally, depending on your income, you may qualify for additional financial assistance, including no-cost upgrades and higher rebate levels. Your Energy Specialist can provide application and eligibility information on these assistance programs.
Curious if a Home Energy Assessment can help cut your costs? Visit ngrid.com/assessment or call 1-866-527-SAVE (7283) for the answers to all your energy questions!
5. Begin Your Energy Efficiency Journey On Your Rental
The benefits of a Home Energy Assessment aren’t limited to owners of single-family homes. As a renter or a landlord , you can also bring your landlord into the conversation to explore opportunities for building-wide improvements. Following your individual property assessment, your Energy Specialist may be able to coordinate with your landlord and provide suggestions on energy efficiency measures, including insulation and air sealing.
Incentives for landlords and renters include:
- For renter-occupied units in buildings with two to four units, up to $5,000 to mitigate barriers to the installation of recommended insulation and air sealing improvements.
- Rebates on select energy-efficient products and systems, including air conditioning.
It is always advised to speak with your landlord first to determine their interest and availability to participate in the Home Energy Assessment.
National Grid Is Here To Help You Beat The Heat And Save Money
Improving your home’s energy efficiency can help keep you cool through the summer and beyond, all while keeping your energy bills down. And when it comes to managing energy costs, National Grid is here to help. The company’s energy efficiency initiatives — including no-cost Home Energy Assessments, easily-accessible energy saving tips and energy saving programs — provide solutions to help customers manage their costs without sacrificing comfort.
Ready to schedule your Home Energy Assessment with National Grid? Visit ngrid.com/assessment to get started!
*Additional discounts and rebates on energy-efficient appliances, as well as the removal of old appliances at no charge, is based on income eligibility.
