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Ballpark numbers on cost, do-it-yourself skill level and how long it’ll take to recoup your investment. Deciding which energy-saving home improvements to make first (or at all) can be a daunting task. But knowing a few facts—especially regarding payback—can help uncomplicate matters. The term payback refers to how many years it typically takes to recoup your investment in a product or project by way of utility bill savings. For instance, if a new energy-efficient water heater costs $200 more than a standard model, and saves you $20 per year, it will take you 10 years to recoup your investment, If it saves you $50 per year, that payback period drops to four years. After the payback period, you pocket the savings. Inflation, utility costs, house age, living habits and other factors can greatly affect payback—but in general terms, the shorter the payback period, the smarter the investment. Here are 15 of the top energy-saving home improvements, along with typical cost, payback period and skill level needed to tackle the job. The list is arranged from those with the shortest pay- back period to those with the longest. Best of all, we show you how to tackle nearly every project listed here in other parts of this guide. Rank: #1 Project: Install compact fluorescent bulbs Difficulty level: Easy Typical cost: $3 per bulb Typical payback: 1/2 to 1 year Rank: #2 Project: Install a programmable thermostat Difficulty level: Intermediate Typical cost: $30 to $100 Typical payback: 1/2 to 2 years Rank: #3 Project: Seal large and small ceiling air leaks Difficulty level: Easy to intermediate Typical cost: less than $200 Typical payback: 1 to 2 years Rank: #4 Project: Seal air duct leaks Difficulty level: Easy Typical cost: less than $25 Typical payback: 1 to 2 years Rank: #5 Project: Install a water-saving showerhead Difficulty level: Easy Typical cost: $10 and up Typical payback: 1 to 2 years Rank: #6 Project: Insulate water heater Difficulty level: Easy Typical cost: $8 to $20 Typical payback: 1 to 2 years Rank: #7 Project: Weather-strip windows and doors Difficulty level: Easy to intermediate Typical cost: $10 to $20 per opening Typical payback: 1 to 3 years Rank: #8 Project: Tune up furnace or other heating equipment Difficulty level: Professional Typical cost: $100 and up Typical payback: 1 to 3 years Rank: #9 Project: Install ceiling insulation Difficulty level: Intermediate Typical cost: $30 to .50/sq. ft. (based on 6-in, fiberglass batts) Typical payback: 2 to 5 years SOURCE: Data compiled from www.xcelenergy.com, www.energystar.gov and U.S. Department of Energy (www.energy.gov). Rank: #10 Project: Install floor insulation (when space below floor is unheated) Difficulty level: Intermediate Typical cost: $30 to .50/sq. ft. (based on 6-in, fiberglass batts) Typical payback: 2 to 5 years Rank: #11 Project: Install storm windows Difficulty level: Intermediate Typical cost: $30 per window and up Typical payback: 4 to 10 years Rank: #12 Project: Replace heating system Difficulty level: Professional Typical cost: varies greatly Typical payback: 5 to 20 years Rank: #13 Project: Blown-in wall insulation Difficulty level: Advanced or professional Typical cost: $1 to $2/sq. ft. of wall (includes material and labor) Typical payback: 6 to 12 years Rank: #14 Project: Landscaping (trees for windbreaks and sun screening) Difficulty level: Intermediate Typical cost: $30 and up per tree Typical payback: 5 to 10 years (varies greatly) Rank: #15 Project: Window replacement Difficulty level: Advanced Typical cost: $300 to $800 per window; higher for professional installation Typical payback: 15 to 30 years Next: Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning |