Energy-saving Projects and Payback

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Ballpark numbers on cost, do-it-yourself skill level and how long it’ll take to recoup your investment. Deciding which energy-saving home improvements to make first (or at all) can be a daunting task. But knowing a few facts—especially regarding payback—can help uncomplicate matters.

The term payback refers to how many years it typically takes to recoup your investment in a product or project by way of utility bill savings. For instance, if a new energy-efficient water heater costs $200 more than a standard model, and saves you $20 per year, it will take you 10 years to recoup your investment, If it saves you $50 per year, that payback period drops to four years. After the payback period, you pocket the savings.

Inflation, utility costs, house age, living habits and other factors can greatly affect payback—but in general terms, the shorter the payback period, the smarter the investment.

Here are 15 of the top energy-saving home improvements, along with typical cost, payback period and skill level needed to tackle the job. The list is arranged from those with the shortest pay- back period to those with the longest. Best of all, we show you how to tackle nearly every project listed here in other parts of this guide.

Rank: #1

Project: Install compact fluorescent bulbs

Difficulty level: Easy

Typical cost: $3 per bulb

Typical payback: 1/2 to 1 year

Rank: #2

Project: Install a programmable thermostat

Difficulty level: Intermediate

Typical cost: $30 to $100

Typical payback: 1/2 to 2 years

Rank: #3

Project: Seal large and small ceiling air leaks

Difficulty level: Easy to intermediate

Typical cost: less than $200

Typical payback: 1 to 2 years

Rank: #4

Project: Seal air duct leaks

Difficulty level: Easy

Typical cost: less than $25

Typical payback: 1 to 2 years

Rank: #5

Project: Install a water-saving showerhead

Difficulty level: Easy

Typical cost: $10 and up

Typical payback: 1 to 2 years

Rank: #6

Project: Insulate water heater

Difficulty level: Easy

Typical cost: $8 to $20

Typical payback: 1 to 2 years

Rank: #7

Project: Weather-strip windows and doors

Difficulty level: Easy to intermediate

Typical cost: $10 to $20 per opening

Typical payback: 1 to 3 years

Rank: #8

Project: Tune up furnace or other heating equipment

Difficulty level: Professional

Typical cost: $100 and up

Typical payback: 1 to 3 years

Rank: #9

Project: Install ceiling insulation

Difficulty level: Intermediate

Typical cost: $30 to .50/sq. ft. (based on 6-in, fiberglass batts)

Typical payback: 2 to 5 years

SOURCE: Data compiled from www.xcelenergy.com, www.energystar.gov and U.S. Department of Energy (www.energy.gov).

Rank: #10

Project: Install floor insulation (when space below floor is unheated)

Difficulty level: Intermediate

Typical cost: $30 to .50/sq. ft. (based on 6-in, fiberglass batts)

Typical payback: 2 to 5 years

Rank: #11

Project: Install storm windows

Difficulty level: Intermediate

Typical cost: $30 per window and up

Typical payback: 4 to 10 years

Rank: #12

Project: Replace heating system

Difficulty level: Professional

Typical cost: varies greatly

Typical payback: 5 to 20 years

Rank: #13

Project: Blown-in wall insulation

Difficulty level: Advanced or professional

Typical cost: $1 to $2/sq. ft. of wall (includes material and labor)

Typical payback: 6 to 12 years

Rank: #14

Project: Landscaping (trees for windbreaks and sun screening)

Difficulty level: Intermediate

Typical cost: $30 and up per tree

Typical payback: 5 to 10 years (varies greatly)

Rank: #15

Project: Window replacement

Difficulty level: Advanced

Typical cost: $300 to $800 per window; higher for professional installation

Typical payback: 15 to 30 years

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