Energy efficiency means using less energy to heat, cool, and power your home while maintaining comfort, safety, and healthy indoor air quality. Efficient homes reduce utility bills, improve indoor air quality, and prevent moisture and mold buildup. Beyond comfort and cost savings, energy efficiency directly affects health: poorly sealed homes can exacerbate respiratory conditions, while inefficient heating or ventilation may increase the risk of carbon monoxide exposure.
Residents can make simple improvements, like sealing leaks or maintaining HVAC systems, or pursue professional upgrades, such as insulation or whole-home energy audits. Contractors and energy professionals play a key role in ensuring efficiency upgrades are safe, durable, and properly integrated.
Learn more on our specific resource pages:
- Building Envelope
- Heating, Cooling, and Water Systems
- Lighting and Appliances
- Renewable Energy & Alternative Technologies
- Energy Saving Behaviors
- Safety & Health Integration
Resources
General Resources
- Energy Efficiency | ENERGY STAR
- Why Energy Efficiency Matters | Department of Energy
- Building Components | Building America Solution Center
- Air Sealing Your Home | Department of Energy
- Building Performance Institute
- Insulation | Department of Energy
- Moisture Control | Department of Energy
- Residential Energy Services Network
- Types of Insulation | Department of Energy
- Ventilation | Department of Energy
- Weatherization | Department of Energy
- BPI Homeowners | What Is Home Performance
- Energy Saver: Tips on Saving Money and Energy in Your Home | Department of Energy
Local Resources
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) | PA Department of Community & Economic Development
- Weatherization | Action Housing
- Improving Home Performance | PA Department of Environmental Protection
- Customer Assistance Program | Duquesne Light Company
- Customer Assistance Program | Peoples Natural Gas
- Income-Eligible Assistance Programs | Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania
- West Penn Power
Contractor Resources
- Building Components | Building America Solution Center
- Residential Energy Services Network
- Home Page | RESNET
- Trainings and Certifications | Building Performance Institute
- Introduction To The Construction Trades | Pittsburgh Gateways Corporation
- Workforce & Community | Community College of Allegheny County
- How to Talk to Homeowners About Energy Efficiency | BPA/Energy Circle
- PA Contractor Network | Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance (KEEA)
