Benefits
Lower Energy Bills.
You will likely spend more every year on utilities than property tax or insurance. By taking very simple steps like sealing your home to create an effective air barrier, you can reduce your monthly utility bills by 5 to 25 percent or more. Costs of the upgrades in many instances will be covered by utility rebates and incentives.
Greater Comfort.
In a well-functioning home, temperatures become normal. Inexplicable drafts and incessantly cold rooms disappear. A sign of a well-functioning home is the level of activity of your AC system or heater.
Creating a more effective barrier between your home and the elements will also prevent particulate matter, allergens and mold from getting into your home.
Higher Property Values.
A survey conducted in the Northwest last year found homes certified for energy efficiency sold for 4 to 10 percent more than conventional homes. Surveys also show that apartments and rental properties with lower energy bills achieve higher rents. EnergyStar ratings are providing standardized ways to document savings so you can capture that value.
Reduced Fuel Consumption.
While economists, analysts and many consumers debate where we will get our energy in the future, there is one point on which we can all agree: not wasting energy is always the better option. Fuel costs money and a large portion of the energy we consume every day in the U.S. needs to come from overseas. Less is more.
A Cleaner Environment.
Reducing fuel consumption directly leads to lower particulate matter and air pollution.
A Stronger Community.
We don’t work alone. We collaborate with local non-profits and employers to help spread the word about energy efficiency. Next Step LivingTM also firmly believes that energy efficiency can help propel local economies. We have hired over 500 employees since 2008 in one of the steepest downturns in construction in decades. These are full-time, well-paying jobs with benefits and we will continue to follow this strategy as we expand. The quality in our work demands it.
Peace of Mind.
It’s the right thing to do. It’s that simple.
