Efficiency First Approach
Energy efficiency is the first step in any electrification project. A more efficient home needs smaller heating and cooling systems. Smaller systems cost less to install and operate. Efficiency improvements often have the fastest payback of any energy upgrade.
The average Colorado home wastes 25-40% of its heating and cooling energy through air leaks, poor insulation, and inefficient systems. Fixing these issues first maximizes the benefit of electrification.
25-40%
Energy Waste in Average Home
20-30%
Typical Savings from Efficiency
3-5 yr
Typical Payback Period
Key Efficiency Improvements
Air Sealing
Air leaks are the biggest source of energy waste. Common problem areas: attic hatches, recessed lights, plumbing and electrical penetrations, window and door frames. Professional air sealing reduces infiltration by 20-40%.
Insulation
Proper insulation keeps heat in during winter and out during summer. Attic insulation should be R-49 or higher in Colorado. Wall insulation, basement/crawlspace insulation all contribute to thermal envelope.
LED Lighting
LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent. Last 25x longer. Switching all bulbs saves $100-200/year. Simple, fast payback.
Smart Thermostats
Programmable and learning thermostats save 10-15% on heating and cooling. Automatic setbacks when away. Optimal scheduling. Remote control via smartphone.
Home Energy Audit
A professional energy audit identifies exactly where your home loses energy. Auditors use blower door tests to measure air leakage and thermal imaging to find insulation gaps. You get a prioritized list of improvements with estimated costs and savings.
What Audits Include
- • Blower door test (air leakage measurement)
- • Thermal imaging scan
- • Insulation inspection
- • HVAC system evaluation
- • Utility bill analysis
- • Prioritized recommendations
Audit Programs
- • Xcel Energy: $50 audit (subsidized)
- • EnergySmart Colorado (Boulder): Free audits
- • Colorado Energy Office: Income-qualified free audits
- • DRCOG: Regional programs available
Rebates and Incentives
Federal Tax Credit (25C)
30% of insulation and air sealing costs. Up to $1,200/year combined limit for efficiency improvements. Includes energy audits up to $150.
Xcel Energy Rebates
- • Air sealing: Up to $200
- • Attic insulation: $0.10-0.15/sq ft
- • Smart thermostat: $50-75
Colorado HEAR Rebates (Income-Qualified)
- • Weatherization: Up to $1,600
- • Available for households at or below 150% AMI
Efficiency Enables Better Electrification
- Smaller heat pump needed = lower equipment cost
- More even temperatures throughout home = better comfort
- Lower peak loads = may avoid electrical panel upgrade
- Less runtime = lower operating costs and longer equipment life
- Better for solar sizing = smaller system needed
Example: A 2,000 sq ft home with poor insulation needs a 4-ton heat pump. The same home properly air sealed and insulated needs only a 2.5-ton system. That saves $3,000-4,000 on equipment alone.