The high cost of natural gas and other forms of heating fuel has inspired about one-quarter of American homeowners to make improvements that will increase their homes’ energy efficiency within five years, according to a study by Owens Corning. Another 37 percent are considering such improvements. Sixty percent of homeowners say their bills have increased this year.
Of those planning improvements, nearly two-thirds cited a need to save money as their motive; 47 percent said an increase in resale value was a factor.
The most frequently mentioned improvements were:
Caulking/sealing (41 percent)
Installing more energy-efficient windows (39 percent)
Replacing heating systems with a more energy-efficient version (27 percent)
Replacing hot water heater with a more energy-efficient version (25 percent)
Replacing refrigerator with a more energy-efficient version (24 percent)
Replacing cooling systems with a more energy-efficient version (21 percent)
Installing additional attic insulation (20 percent)
Installing programmable thermostat (17 percent)
Installing compact fluorescent lights (17 percent)
Installing low-flow shower heads (14 percent)
Other (3 percent).