When you think about the perks of energy eciency, what comes to mind? If you are like most homeowners, you think
about the money you can save while protecting the planet.
Yes, being aware of your home’s energy consumption and making use of ecient appliances can help you cut your
electricity bill while signicantly reducing your carbon footprint. But the perks of being energy savvy don’t end there.
Here are three unexpected benets that come from using energy eciently
1. Quality of Life Boost
It’s no secret that the burning of fossil fuels is not only hazardous to our planet but also our health. On a large scale, if the
United States were to reduce its electric consumption by just 15% for one year, there would be:
Nearly 30,000 fewer asthma episodes
More than 2,190 lives saved
Up to $20 billion in avoided health harms
Those statistics come from an American Council for an Energy-Ecient Economy report, which goes on to state: “The
dollars saved through avoided health harms in our scenario would be enough to pay the annual health insurance
premiums for nearly 3.6 million families.”
As if that kind of boosted quality of life weren’t enough, there are also perks on a smaller scale.
When you make your home an energy-ecient one, it will be drier and properly ventilated. That, in turn, leads to a
decreased risk for illnesses, as well as a decreased risk for mold growth.
Cutting back on your energy usage, or relying on a renewable energy system for the bulk of your power needs, is a great
way to boost the quality of life for not just yourself but the entire country.
2. Enhanced Local Economy
Did you know that energy eciency plays a massive role in boosting local economies? A more ecient home means
reduced electricity bills. That leads to money saved, which can mean an increase in disposable income. Studies have
shown that such increased disposable income is often spent locally.
This trend not only gives a boost to the economy but also helps create jobs, and not only at the local level. Here are some
highlights from a 2019 Energy Eciency Jobs in America report that details the U.S. energy eciency sector:
Twice as many workers as fossil fuel sectors combined
Small businesses dominate the sector
Responsible for employing more than 317,000 rural Americans
In 2018, employment increased by 3.4%, which translates to an added 76,000 jobs
Just as with an enhanced quality of life, benets can be enjoyed at both the local and national level, making for a
compelling argument for enhanced energy eciency.
3. Increased Resale Value
On average, energy-ecient home improvement projects increase a home’s resale value. If you are thinking about selling
and ways to make it stand out to potential buyers, take on a few cost-effective projects that not only allow you to recoup
those costs when you sell but add to the selling price!
According to Energy.gov, around 43% of a home utility bill goes towards heating and cooling alone. Improvements like
adding insulation, sealing air leaks, and installing energy-ecient windows can all help cut those costs.
Additionally, upgrading the cooling and heating systems themselves can be very benecial, as that move alone has the
potential to cut associated costs by up to 50%!
Take a Big Energy-Efficient Step Today
If you are looking for a way not only to cut electricity costs but also help the environment and add to your home’s resale
value, it’s time to consider a renewable energy system.
Solar panels come with impressive tax credits and state-specic incentives, which help mitigate upfront costs. There are
panel options for nearly every roof type, and thanks to impressive advancements in technology, solar panels are even
ecient in cities that get just a few hours of sunlight a day.
With help from EBC you can easily connect with local solar companies and nd the right installer for you. The entire
process can be completed in a matter of days, and thanks to the immediate benets of solar panels, you can start being
more energy ecient from the moment your panels are installed!