Summary of Whole-Home Energy Efficiency: A Carbon-Free Fairfax Webinar

00:00:00 - 00:50:00

The Fairfax County Public School System is an energy star partner of the year, and the online Marketplace that Dominion puts out there is an excellent way to find and purchase energy-efficient products. The energy star home upgrade program provides homeowners with options to deeply decarbonize their homes, save money on utility bills, and mitigate climate change. Although details about the program are still being finalized, this new program will make more attainable and efficient products available over the next decade.

• 00:00:00 This webinar is about whole-home energy efficiency and how Fairfax County, Virginia can save energy and money. Dan Cronin from Energy Star will be discussing how the program works and why it is so successful. There will be a question and answer session at the end of the webinar.
• 00:05:00 The Fairfax County Public School System is an energy star partner of the year, and the online Marketplace that Dominion puts out there is an excellent way to find and purchase energy-efficient products.
• 00:10:00 The energy star home upgrade program provides homeowners with options to deeply decarbonize their homes, save money on utility bills, and mitigate climate change. Although details about the program are still being finalized, this new program will make more attainable and efficient products available over the next decade.
• 00:15:00 Dan provides a brief overview of energy star, explaining that the program is designed to help Fairfax homeowners and renters save money on energy costs. He also mentions that the product team is "very technical people," and that they work with engineers and manufacturers to develop specific energy star requirements for various types of products. Finally, Dan shares that clothes washers have been a popular category for Energy Star for over 20 years, and that they will work with the manufacturers and engineers to develop specific energy star requirements for new products.
• 00:20:00 The video discusses the benefits of energy efficiency, namely, reduction of electricity bills and water use. It also mentions the importance of energy star products, which must be certified by a third party to be eligible for the energy efficiency label. The presenter recommends prioritizing energy star smart thermostats over more expensive upgrades, such as an energy star home upgrade Six impact actions list.
• 00:25:00 The presenter discusses how homeowners can save energy and money by implementing simple, common sense energy efficiency measures. Some tips for renters include turning off appliances when not in use and learning about your utility bills.
• 00:30:00 The presenter discusses whole-home energy efficiency upgrades, which include installing smart thermostats and insulation and covering roofing with shingles or tiles. They also mention that central air conditioners are now eligible for up to 30% of the project cost.
• 00:35:00 The new home energy efficiency legislation, known as the "Inflation Production Act," is still being developed and is subject to change. There are many ways individuals can improve their homes' energy efficiency, including by upgrading their electric panel, having an energy star charger, and installing a solar panel. Programs that may help pay for these upgrades include weatherization assistance programs, utility rebates, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
• 00:40:00 The presenter discusses some of the benefits of installing an Energy Star qualified electric appliance, such as safety and efficiency. They also mention that any DIY projects should be done with caution, as with any dangerous activity. The presenter recommends replacing a water heater when there is a leak, in order to be carbon-free.
• 00:45:00 The presenter discusses the many benefits of whole-home energy efficiency, including carbon-free savings. She recommends solar panels, wind turbines, and solar-powered attic fans as ways to reduce energy costs.
• 00:50:00 This YouTube video is a webinar about whole-home energy efficiency, and discusses different types of energy efficient water heaters available. The presenter, Dan, says that although the energy star ratings for water heaters are helpful, it's important to remember that they are not the only factor to consider when purchasing an energy efficient appliance. He also mentions that energy efficient air conditioning is an important part of reducing energy consumption, and that in a pinch, an energy efficient water heater can be used to heat water in an emergency.