Energy Efficiency

Window Insulators
  • UV Films during summer
    • Films that reflect UV light during summer, making the house cooler
  • Interior plastic films for winter
    • Variety of options for insulating materials
    • Reusable materials can be used (bubble wrap)
High-Efficiency Furnace
  • Modern furnaces only 80% minimum efficiency
  • Very important for older houses with poor insulation
  • Possible to install return ducts in attics
Adding Insulation
  • Adding insulation not terribly effective
  • Only worth it if insulation is non-existent
Greywater Heat Recovery Systems

Used water that can be captured and cycled back into water heating system

  • Primarily used for shower or gardening
  • $200-300 with payback period of 2 to 3 years
  • Can save 10% on total household energy bills
Fall and Winter Enerfy Savings Poster

Contact Us

Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability and Energy
325 Montgomery Hall
DeKalb, IL 60115
Phone: 815-753-6563
Fax: 815-753-2902
Email: envs@niu.edu
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