The top energy-saving home improvements By Laura
A. Bruce • Bankrate.com
These are the top single-family home energy-efficiency
improvements that reduce energy bills. The return on investment
(ROI) is annual, based on 7 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Example: A homeowner spends $500 to insulate
an attic that has no insulation, and saves $25 per month on energy
bills. $500 divided by $25 per month equals 20 months. This means
the investment paid for itself in 20 months and, for the next 30
years, gives monthly dividends of $25 per month in lower energy
bills. The $25 grows each time there is a rate increase.
Return on investment
estimates for household energy efficiency improvements
Months
Modification
ROI
Kwh savings/unit
Cost per kwh
Annual savings
Cost per unit
3
High efficiency showerhead
400%
400
$0.08
$32
$8
13
Fireplace pillow-stops air leakage up chimney
91%
400
$0.08
$32
$35
14
Bathroom faucet aerator
84%
21
$0.08
$1.68
$2
17
Attic insulation
(R-0 to R-38)
69%
5.6
$0.08
$0.45
$0.65
23
Compact fluorescent bulb
53%
60
$0.08
$4.80
$9
23
Kitchen faucet aerator
51%
32
$0.08
$2.56
$5
25
Wrap 15' hot and cold water heater pipes
48%
60
$0.08
$4.80
$10
38
Replace incandescent porch light fixture with CFL bulb
