Basement Energy Facts

Basement Lighting: Lighting improvements are one of the fastest ways to cut your energy bills. An average household dedicates 10% of its energy budget to lighting. Using new lighting technologies can reduce your lighting energy use by 50% to 75%.

Fireplace:

Repeated heating and cooling can cause the metal fireplace flue to warp or break, creating a channel for hot or cold air loss.
Fireplaces require sufficient oxygen to function properly. Without it, they will operate inefficiently and be more likely to fill the home with unhealthy smoke and deadly gasses like carbon monoxide.

Water Heater: Water heating is the third largest energy expense in the average home. It typically accounts for 13% to 17% of a utility bill. An ENERGY STAR^® qualified water heater can cut those costs in half.

Heating and Cooling: Heating and cooling typically account for a whopping 46% of a household's utility bill. What's more, U.S. heating and cooling systems emit 150 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year, adding to global climate change.

Windows and Doors: Air leaks decrease a home's energy efficiency and cause uncomfortable drafts. Most air leaks around windows and doors can be easily remedied with weather-stripping and/or caulk from the local hardware store.

Basement Insulation: Many older homes have insufficient or failed insulation. Homeowners can reduce heating and cooling needs by as much as 10% by investing in proper insulation and sealing air leaks.