It’s a DIY Summer!
By Jade Christensen
Summer is here and it’s the perfect time to embark on DIY home improvement projects. Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, there are always opportunities to make your home more comfortable. The best part? These small investments can lead to significant long-term savings. So, let’s get started on some changes that can make a big difference this summer!
DIY Cost-Effective Projects
One of the simplest and most cost-effective projects is re-caulking your doors and windows. This prevents air drafts and reduces the risk of moisture damage, extending the life of your home’s trim and siding. The best part? This can lead to 10 – 20% energy savings for as little as $30. (1)
Switching out the shades and updating the window shades from generic vinyl blinds to cellular shades will boost home energy performance. This is an easy way to insulate a home without replacing windows. They make cellular shades with pleated fabric. This design traps air within the cells and helps prevent heat transfer. A study by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory found that cellular shades saved up to 20% on heating energy and up to 15% on total energy from heating and cooling compared to without. (2)
Finally, look for Energy Star-certified refrigerators or dishwashers for homeowners who are replacing appliances. Energy Star is a formal agreement with the EPA. It is based on performance requirements and is overseen by a third-party certification. This creates an unbiased examination of the equipment to show its performance ability matches a high standard. This agreement requires increased energy efficiency. For example, Energy Star refrigerators are around 9% more energy efficient than other models.(3)
To put the cherry on top of these great ways to save money and increase your home’s sustainability, there are programs to assist you. Portland’s New Electrify Everything program allows eligible Portland homeowners and renters to get reimbursed up to $250 towards the purchase of DIY products. (4) Better still, you can be purchase these DIY products from the local hardware store supporting the local economy. Learn more at www.portlandmaine.gov/1479/DIY-Electrify.
PCAT
The Portland Climate Action Team (PCAT) is a volunteer group of greater Portland residents committed to addressing the current climate crisis. We advocate for reducing greenhouse emissions in Portland and promote the equitable transition from fossil fuels to clean renewable energy. PCAT supports the implementation of the One Climate Future Plan and the city’s other climate goals.
FMI email Portlandclimate@gmail.com or visit https://facebook.com/PortlandClimateActionTeam.
Endnotes
- Energy.Gov. Do-It-Yourself Saving Projects: Using Caulk to Seal Air Leaks: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/do-it-yourself-savings-project-using-caulk-seal-air-leaks
- U.S. Department of Energy, 2021. Interior Cellular Shades Boost Home Energy Performance, PDF: https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/articles/interior-cellular-shades-boost-home-energy-performance#:~:text=While%20cellular%20shades%20deliver%20all,reduce%20unwanted%20solar%20heat%20gain.
- Energy Star Refrigerators: https://www.energystar.gov/products/refrigerators#:~:text=With%20an%20ENERGY%20STAR%20certified,federal%20minimum%20energy%20efficiency%20standard.
- Electrify Everything! Program, Portland Sustainability Office: DIY Electrify! | Portland, ME – Official Website
