Efficiency at Home

Home Energy Efficiency

Increasing your home’s energy efficiency is extremely cost-effective, can make your home more comfortable also, has a large GHG reduction potential at scale, and can help reduce the economic, environmental, and social burdens of energy in our communities. Increase your home efficiency by:

Did you know the average U.S. household has ~70 lightbulbs? If you haven’t already switched over to LEDs, it is past time and will save you a ton of money. One ENERGY STAR-certified LED light bulb uses up to 90% less electricity than outdated incandescent bulbs and can save you money in electricity over its lifetime, which is 15 to 25 times longer than older bulbs, so you’ll be changing bulbs less frequently (Source: EnergySaver). 

Simply turning your thermostat back 7 to 10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting and save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling (Source: U.S. Department of Energy) 

Buying an appliance, fixture, or anything with a plug? Make sure it’s got the Energy Star or WaterSense label!

Find out how efficient your home is by investing in a home energy audit to identify potential areas for improvements. Find local home-energy auditors via Duquesne Light and/or diagnostic energy auditors in Western Pennsylvania.

Weatherize your home to help save energy and money, while making it more comfortable. Weatherization includes sealing air leaks and insulation and can save you 10 to 20% on your heating and cooling bills. 

Examine your home office energy usage by partaking in the Pitt Green Home Office Challenge and watching Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh’s Home Office Energy Efficiency Lunch & Learn. 

Take Charge of Your Energy Sources

Check out the Department of Energy’s new Energy Savings Hub to learn about all of the federal rebates and programs to help you purchase efficient electric equipment, vehicles, and home electricity generation and energy storage.

Have to replace a big piece of equipment? Consider electrifying everything, including upgrading to a heat pump for heating and cooling (economic savings!), switching to induction cooking (includes health benefits!), and more.

Purchase renewable electricity to power your home using PA Power Switch or from Green Mountain Energy.

If you want to go even further, investigate installing solar panels on your house or in your community. 

Curious about what Pennsylvanians typically pay in electricity costs and what you can save by going solar? Find out here!

If you’re considering going solar at home and want to make sure you’re finding a trusted, reliable solar installer near you, check out EnergySage. EnergySage is a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20 to 30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and you share your phone number with them. You’ll also get access to their unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way.

Here is a list of reputable solar companies servicing the Pittsburgh area.

Short Trips

To reduce vehicle miles, consider walking or biking for small trips, walking there and busing home with larger items, and/or bundling errands.