Remodeling tips to conserve energy Published March 30, 2010 By Gary Krivokapich, Resource Efficiency Manager 49th Civil Engineer Squadron HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- We at the Resource Efficiency Office are constantly looking for ways to reduce energy costs, which can be as high as $18,000 a day, to meet the 30 percent energy reduction goal set for 2014. Even if you do not live on base, taking energy conservation into consideration before remodeling your home can save energy and save you money on your bills each month. If you are planning to remodel your home, you may be able to reduce your home's future energy bills by up to 50 percent with a little upfront planning and an additional 10 percent extra in building costs. Here is a look at the savings you can have by changing a few things in your existing home: - Windows: replacing your low emissive double-pane windows can reduce your energy bill up to 15 percent and can save between $125 and $450 per year in the average home. - Sealing ducts: air leaking in or out of your home can count for up to 30 percent of your home's heating and cooling costs. A typical cost to seal air leaks is $604 and can result in a savings of $252 per year. - Programmable thermostats: a programmable thermostat costs $85 to $125 and can save $100 to $300 per household per year on heating and cooling costs and make your home more comfortable. - Conserve water: older toilets use about 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush. Low flow toilets use only 1.6 gallons per flush and save your family between 8,000 and 20,000 gallons of water per year, per toilet. This could add up to $50 in savings per year in Alamogordo. To view the complete list of remodeling tips compiled by the Resource Efficiency office to help Team Holloman cut their energy use, view the Energy Conservation factsheet here. If you have any energy saving ideas or suggestions for Holloman you can contact Gary Krivokapich, resource efficiency manager at 572-3931.