Outside House

Courtesy of energystar.gov

When buying new heating and cooling equipment such as a central air conditioning unit, proper sizing and quality installation are critical to your home's energy efficiency and comfort. Remember: Bigger doesn't always mean better. Oversized equipment can cause reduced comfort and excessive noise. Oversizing also can shorten the life of the equipment by causing it to cycle on and off more frequently than a properly sized unit. However, undersized equipment can reduce the efficiency and accelerate wear on system components, leading to early failure. For more information about sizing, use Energy Star's Central Air Conditioner Sizing Tutorial.

Porch Light The outdoor porch or post lamp is one of the highest used light fixtures in a home, and is the perfect place to install ENERGY STAR qualified lighting products. Many compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) will fit easily into existing porch lights. Or install a new ENERGY STAR qualified outdoor fixture that saves energy through advanced CFL technology, a motion sensor and/or a photocell that turns the light on only when someone is present or on at night and off in the morning.

Car/Garage
Give your car a break. Combine trips whenever possible. Use mass transit, walk or bike whenever possible. Leaving your car at home just 2 days a week will save 1,590 lbs. of greenhouse gas emissions each year! Keep your car well maintained to maximize its fuel efficiency, safety, and reliability. Check your tire pressure regularly to avoid the wear and tear and decreased gas mileage that can result from under-inflated tires.

Thermal Boundary
The thermal boundary, also called the "envelope" or "shell", is made up of the outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and floors of the house. Air leaks through the envelope and inadequate insulation are two common problems in many homes and can lead to discomfort and to high energy bills. When the home envelope is performing well, it will help keep you comfortable and keep your energy bills low during the hottest and coldest times of the year. Use our Guide to ENERGY STAR Home Sealing to get step-by-step instructions for sealing common air leaks and adding insulation to the attic.