Taking advantage of energy company programs to improve home energy efficiency

By: Rhode Island Energy

Energy costs can be one of the largest expenses families have to pay annually. According to the Sense Consumer Energy Insights Report of 2023, 80 percent of U.S. homeowners have tried to reduce electricity consumption and 42 percent are very interested in finding ways to use less energy in their homes. 33 percent of those respondents also indicated that they don’t understand why their energy bill is so high.

What many of those folks might not be aware of is that energy companies like Rhode Island Energy offer residential customers a no cost home energy assessment. When customers request a no cost energy assessment, an energy specialist is sent to their home and thoroughly explores ways they can improve energy efficiency.

During this visit, the energy specialist offers a variety of potential energy saving tips tailored to their home, from heating and air conditioning system tune-ups and maximum recommended water heater temperatures to keeping refrigerator coils clean and adding home insulation.

The customer is provided with a home energy action report with custom recommendations tailored specifically for the needs of their house. The energy specialist assesses their current energy use, develops a plan to make the home more energy efficient, and identifies available rebates and incentives that may be available from the energy company. For example, rebates are available on heat pumps, furnaces, boilers, and water heaters.

Additionally, there are many simple, low cost ways that families can save money on future utility bills and bring an immediate return on their investment.

Use Low-Flow Showerheads. Conventional showerheads typically use between three to four gallons of water per minute. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, replacing aerators and showerheads with low flow fixtures can save the average household 700 gallons of water per year or approximately $50-$90 per year. Additionally, less water use equals less energy to heat it and increases the life expectancy of the home’s water heater.

Install Smart Thermostats. Heating and cooling usually uses the most energy in residential households, so it is a natural place to explore ways to save. According to the Department of Energy, a smart thermostat can save consumers as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling by turning thermostats back 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day.

Take Care of the Natural Gas Furnace. While replacing a natural gas furnace that is over 20 years old can be the best way to reduce energy costs, a tune-up can save approximately $9 a month.

Add Insulation. Insulation is another effective way to enhance home comfort. That’s because insulation makes it harder for the heat to escape, avoiding drafts in the winter. It also can keep a home cooler in the summer and prevent condensation which can later result in mold or moisture issues. Insulation is one of the most effective ways to reduce your home’s energy usage. It significantly increases home comfort by providing resistance to heat flow, reducing drafts, and minimizing outside noise, plus it reduces the chance of ice dams. ENERGY STAR® estimates that 9 out of 10 US homes have insufficient insulation. Incentives from Rhode Island Energy helps make insulation more affordable for Ocean State residents.

Fix Air Leaks. Air leakage occurs when outside air enters, and conditioned air leaves, your house uncontrollably through cracks and openings. Sealing cracks and openings reduces drafts and cold spots, improving comfort. Caulk and seal air leaks where plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring comes through walls, floors, ceilings, and soffits over cabinets. Rhode Island Energy offers no cost air sealing to its residential customers.

Utilize Advanced Power Strips. Approximately five to 10 percent of electricity is used by devices that are plugged in 24 hours a day, even when they are off. Computers, televisions, DVD players, modems, cable boxes, cordless phones, radios, printers, chargers and more can consume small volumes of watts when plugged in but not in use. Of course, no one wants to manually unplug their electronics every day. Instead, electronics can be “unplugged” through an advanced power strip. This can save up to $4 a month.

By taking advantage of a no cost home energy assessment and implementing these simple low cost energy efficiency tips, customers can see big savings in monthly utility bills. To learn more about the no cost home energy assessment program through Rhode Island Energy, visit www.rienergy.com/hea