Tips For Making Your Maui Home More Energy Efficient

It’s pretty easy to begin to make your home more energy efficient. You don’t have to start with photovoltaic panels, why not focus on some low hanging fruit? If you were going to install PV panels, the first thing you’d want to do anyway is to reduce your energy usage, so let’s look at some quick ways to get started.

7 Tips For Making Your Home More Energy Efficient

1. Replace all your incandescent bulbs to either compact fluorescent or LED. LED technology has come a long way and prices for these bulbs are continuing to drop. Also, the lighting quality is much better. Not only will you save money running these bulbs, you will decrease some energy used for A/C or fans in order to cool off the heat put out by the incandescent bulbs.

2. Air dry your clothes instead of using your dryer. With all the sun and wind that we have, it’s a no-brainer.

3. I would spend the money on getting a solar water heater installed. There’s nothing like free hot water. Electric water heating is responsible for 40% of your electricity bill. There are still State and Federal tax credits available for these installations. If you have a solar water heater, have it serviced yearly. A poorly performing solar unit can cost you as much as electric water heating.

4. Instead of replacing west and south facing windows with low e windows, use external shades or strategic planting to block the late afternoon sun. Also, having plants close to (not up against) your home can help with cooler air circulation into your house.

5. Use ceiling fans and lights only when you are in the room. A ceiling fan does not make the room cooler; it moves room temperature air over your skin, causing evaporation. It’s just plain stupid to leave lights on in rooms that you are not in.

6. Use power strips for TV’s, game consoles, DVD players, and DVR’s. These devices continue to draw energy (phantom loads) when in the “off” position. Switch the whole strip off when you are done.

7. If you were already planning to replace your existing appliances, buy a super energy efficient model. Energy Star is a good start, however, I would recommend that you purchase a CEE tier 3 model. Use this website; Consortium for Energy Efficiency. Oh, and by the way, get rid of your 2nd refrigerator in the garage. Those are usually older models and use twice as much energy as a new model. It’ll cost you a lot to keep those beers chilled!

Rebates to Buy Energy Efficient Equipment

Hawaii Energy is an organization that is funded through fees on our electricity bills. They offer some really good rebates on energy efficient items. Check their website out. They range from light bulbs to appliance pick up.

As you can see, it doesn’t take much to make your home more energy efficient. If you’d like to purchase a home that is energy efficient, maybe this one will work for you.

Energy Efficient Home For Sale on Maui

47 Ala Apapa Place in Pukalani (MLS# 352371) has just been listed at $895,000 and is located bordering the Pukalani Golf Course in the subdivision called Kulamalu.

The home is approximately 2,215 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Energy efficient systems include solar water heating, photovoltaic panels, and gas cooking. As you can see, it does have a pool and spa, and an amazing view.

Whether you buy an energy efficient home, or make your existing home more energy efficient, you will be thankful when you look at your electricity bills.

For more information on this listing or any energy efficient listing on Maui, contact me.

Ken Molina 
808.344.6421  
ken@hawaiilife.com