What you will know after this guide
- Energy priority
- Appliances
- Water savings
- Useful controls
Energy priority
Space heating, water heating, cooling and drying often dominate. A properly sized heat pump, efficient water heater, air sealing, controls and maintenance may outperform savings from small devices.
Appliances
Compare annual EnerGuide consumption, truly needed capacity, standby mode, repairability, noise, cycle duration and filter cost. An oversized machine used half full can erase some efficiency gains.
Water savings
Choose certified low-flow toilets, showerheads, faucets and washers where compatible. First repair leaks and running toilets. Measure actual flow because pressure, aerators and habits affect results.
Useful controls
Programmable thermostats, ventilation timers, occupancy sensors, smart plugs and leak shutoff can help when simple and correctly set. Avoid automation that disables ventilation or safety.
Payback calculation
Annual savings = consumption difference × avoided rate, plus water and sewer if metered. Add installation, accessories, maintenance and life. A short payback matters only if the product also meets the need.
