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(09/30/24) BATON ROUGE, La. — With Oct. 2 marking Energy Efficiency Day, the LaHouse Research and Education Center is encouraging homeowners to take action with simple and cost-effective strategies to save energy in their home.
“Energy efficient homes can create safer indoor environments for families and lower energy spending,” LaHouse director Carol Friedland said. “Energy efficiency also plays an important role in creating more resilient homes, especially in Louisiana, which is prone to natural disasters.”
LaHouse staff is currently working on a project aimed at improving the energy efficiency of Louisiana homes during extremely cold temperatures. While temperatures remain high in Louisiana, many energy-efficient upgrades are also helpful during extreme heat.
“Home energy upgrades don’t need to be complex or expensive to be effective,” LaHouse extension associate Candace Derbes said. “Our goal is to provide homeowners with practical advice to help them create a more comfortable, cost-effective and sustainable living environment.”
To help homeowners get started on their energy efficiency journey, the LaHouse team offers a few simple tips:
—Seal air leaks: Gaps and cracks around doors, windows and vents allow conditioned air to escape. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal these leaks and improve overall energy efficiency.
—Upgrade insulation: Proper insulation, especially in attics and walls, helps maintain indoor temperatures, reducing the load on heating and cooling systems.
—Install a programmable thermostat: These thermostats can automatically adjust the temperature when you are asleep or away, saving energy without sacrificing comfort.
—Switch to energy-efficient lighting: Replace incandescent bulbs with LED lights, which use significantly less energy and have longer life spans.
—Use energy-efficient appliances: When replacing appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR label, which ensures that the product meets energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA.
LaHouse conducts research on strategies to reduce damage to the home from high-speed winds and floods. The facility allows visitors to explore exhibits that display resilient, sustainable and healthy housing techniques best suited for the Gulf of Mexico region.
This work is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture award number 2024-69016-42193.
