Cooperative Living July 2022 - 26

ENERG SENSE
When shopping for new appliances,
check the Energy Guide.
Check insulation levels in the attic.
Look for the WaterSense
logo on faucets and toilets.
Planning a Remodel? Timing is Everything
Wise appliance choices can make a difference in your electric bill
by Miranda Boutelle, Contributing Columnist
Q:
L
I'm planning a remodeling project
this year. What energy-efficiency
upgrades should I consider?
A:
Remodeling is a great opportunity to take care of energy-efficiency
improvements by adding them to your scope of work. If your home is
already under construction, take the extra step to make it more efficient.
ook at the scope of your remodeling project to see what
energy-efficiency upgrades you can add. There may be
cost savings and convenience in tackling both at once.
KITCHEN REMODEL
If your kitchen remodel includes new appliances, buy
Energy Star-rated models. Energy Star refrigerators are about
9% more efficient than standard models, and Energy Star
dishwashers save energy and water.
As for kitchen faucets, there are options available with
multiple fl w-rate settings. You can save water by using a lower
fl w rate when washing dishes, vegetables or your hands, but
you can change the setting to quickly fill a pot for cooking.
BATHROOM REMODEL
If you plan to remodel your bathroom, include a highperformance
showerhead. Look for the WaterSense logo for
showerheads, faucets and toilets, which ensures the product
meets performance and water use standards.
Check the fine print on your existing equipment to see how
much you can save. The gallons-per-minute is usually printed
on showerheads and faucet aerators, and the gallons-per-fl sh
is usually printed on toilets.
BASEMENT REMODEL
Our basement has gone from a wide-open space with
concrete walls to a nearly completed living space with a den,
two bedrooms, a bathroom and a laundry room.
We air-sealed and insulated the sill plate and rim joist -
the framing between the concrete foundation and the main
level floor. We built and insulated walls around the basement's
perimeter, ensuring a cozy living space and a more comfortable
home.
We upgraded our electric storage water heater to a hybrid
24 ● Cooperative Living ●
July 2022
water heater, which is 70% more efficient than a standard
electric model.
Also, we ran power for an electric vehicle charger while the
walls were open. It is much less expensive to run the power
supply while you have access.
NEW SIDING/EXTERIOR PAINT
Th best time to make sure your wall insulation is adequate
is when you replace your siding or paint the exterior of your
home.
Wall insulation saves on energy costs, makes your home
more comfortable and reduces outside noise.
Batt insulation, spray foam or foam board are good options
if you are removing the siding. If you are painting, have a
contractor blow insulation into the wall cavities through holes
cut into the siding or from inside the house.
LIGHTING
Whether it's under-cabinet kitchen lighting or new can
lights in the basement, LED options use less energy than
incandescent or CFL bulbs.
ATTIC INSULATION
ft en, remodeling requires work in the attic for new
lighting or venting bath or kitchen fans. During any project
that takes you into the attic, check insulation levels. Work in
the attic can negatively impact attic insulation by crushing
it or removing it to access work areas.
Insulation may not be as pretty as new countertops, but
it can help reduce your energy costs and make your home
more comfortable. 
Miranda Boutelle writes on energy-efficiency topics for
the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
co-opliving.com
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Cooperative Living July 2022

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