Get matched with top energy efficiency auditors in Mina, SD

Energy-efficient windows cost more than other window types, but they can help you save on your monthly energy bills, get you some breaks on your taxes, and even increase the value of your home. According to Michael S. Regan, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, when people invest in green upgrades like energy-efficient windows, they save energy, money, and more.

Setting your AC unit to 78 degrees can, indeed, help you save energy. In fact, according to experts, every degree you turn the unit up could save you between 1% and 3% on your energy bills. That said, turning your unit off entirely while you’re out might actually be less efficient than keeping it on at a higher temperature. Why? The unit will need to work extra hard to cool the house back off again after all those hot hours. 

A small sump pump running infrequently uses an average of 10 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per month. The average cost for electricity is $0.171 per kWh. The size and use frequency affect how much electricity it uses. Sump pumps average one-third to one horsepower (hp) motors. One hp is equal to 745.7 watts. Watts multiplied by the time your pump is running divided by 1,000 equals your average kWh. Multiply kWh by your average cost of electricity. In areas with high rain or a marsh basin, the average cost can be as high as $15-$25 a month.

The three levels of home energy audits include:

• Level 1: Review of your energy bills and home for signs of energy inefficiency and areas for improvement. The average cost range is $0.08 to $0.12 per square foot.

• Level 2: A level 2 ASHRAE energy audit costs $0.12 and $0.35 per square foot. In-depth analysis of your energy usage and provides a report of cost-saving changes.

• Level 3: Comprehensive analysis and detailed recommendations for ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. A level 3 audit costs about $0.36 to $0.50 per square foot.