Welcome to smarterhouse.org. The information on this site will help you make informed decisions about how you use energy in your home. It will help you prioritize home projects to maximize energy savings. It will save you money. SmarterHouse represents the evolution of ACEEE’s Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings, first published in 1991.
The concept of energy efficiency is simple: using less energy to provide the same services. Some improvements, though, save more than others, and SmarterHouse will help you tell the difference between the two. For example, if your refrigerator is 15 years old, you should probably replace it. A typical new model will use about 25% less energy; an ENERGY STAR® model as much as 40% less! These numbers translate into real energy bill savings.
On the other hand, replacing your windows, a costly proposition to begin with, might not be justified by the energy savings you get from installing new ones. If your windows are unbroken and generally in good shape, your money might be better spent on fixing them up with caulk, weather stripping, or storm panels, which are much cheaper options for keeping out drafts.
We’re not here to sell you products. But if you’re going to make an investment in your home, whether by buying a new appliance, a new light bulb, or hiring a remodeling contractor, why not do it in a way that saves you money in the long run? We’ll also show you simple steps you can take to keep your home and the products you already own running as efficiently as possible. We’re here to help you make your house smarter. A smarter house is warm in the winter, and cool in the summer. A smarter house puts you in control of the energy you use. A smarter house saves you money!
