Conserving energy in your home can provide a more comfortable living environment, lower the cost of electricity and help reduce pollution. While some energy conservation methods require an investment, the return is realized in only a short time. Many are things you can do yourself once you become consciously aware of the many ways energy is consumed needlessly. A few small changes in your daily routine can add up to substantial energy savings. In addition, a number of state and federal agencies offer incentives for home improvement projects to increase energy efficiency. Below are some home energy saving tips that will also help lower your utility bills.
1. Update and Maintain Your Heating and Cooling System
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Regular maintenance is essential to prevent your HVAC system from becoming overworked. Change the air filter at least every three months. Set your thermostat at a lower setting at night and when you are away from home. You’ll save approximately 2 percent on your heating bill for every degree it is lowered for an 8 hour period. You may consider installing a programmable thermostat which will automatically adjust the thermostat when no one is in the home. If your heating and air conditioning system is old, replacing it with a newer, energy efficient model may provide significant savings.
2. Lower the Temperature on Your Hot Water Heater
Lowering the temperature on your hot water heater to 130 degrees Fahrenheit will save money on heating water. If you are going to be away from home for several days, consider turning it off completely. Wrapping the hot water heater in a thermal blanket will help to retain heat. Another alternative is to replace it with a tankless hot water heater. These systems do not store water but heat it on demand with a gas burner or electric element.
3. Replace Incandescent Light Bulbs
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Incandescent light bulbs convert only 10 percent of the energy they use to light while the remainder becomes heat. Replacing them with more energy efficient lighting technologies such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) can decrease the amount of electricity used by 50 to 75 percent. Both LEDs and CFLs have a longer life than incandescent light bulbs; therefore they don’t need to be replaced as often. LEDs last longer than CFLs but don’t contain mercury.
4. Make Use of Sunlight
Using sunlight to illuminate your home during the day can save energy as well as the cost of replacing light bulbs. There are several ways to introduce sunlight into the home. Skylights are not only an effective means of allowing light into the home but are attractive additions to the décor. Light shelves may be installed on the interior or exterior of the home and reflect light into the structure. Clerestory windows are positioned near the top of the wall to allow natural lighting to fill the room.
5. Seal Air Leaks and Insulate
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Cracks around windows and doors allow air to leak into your home. This may account for approximately one-third of your home’s heat loss in the winter. One inexpensive and simple solution is to seal cracks around your windows with rope calk. Weather stripping can be used to seal around doors as well as windows. Installing a door sweep will prevent air from seeping in from underneath the door. Alternatively, you can use a towel or purchase a draft blocker to place in front of the door. Replace any cracked glass, missing putty or damaged wood.
6. Opt for Energy Efficient Cooking Techniques
You can save a tremendous amount of energy when cooking by choosing more efficient appliances. A convection oven uses about 20 percent less electricity than a conventional oven, and a microwave uses 80 percent less. You can reduce the amount of time it takes to cook food by using a pressure cooker. When cooking in a conventional oven, placing the food on the top rack will heat it faster. Use the proper element size for the pot when cooking on the stove top. Place a cover on the pot to heat food more quickly.
7. Choose Energy Star Rated Appliances
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When replacing or upgrading appliances, choosing products with an Energy Star rating will help save energy. Energy Star appliances are tested and approved according to criteria set by the Environmental Protection Agency or the US Department of Energy. To be certified, the product must provide significant energy savings as well as features and performance that meet the expectations of the end user. Many types of products are available with an Energy Star rating including refrigerators, dishwashers, TVs, lighting systems and more.
8. Use Appliances and Electronics Wisely
Appliances and electronics use approximately 20 percent of the energy consumed in the average US home. You can lower your household energy usage by simply turning off electronic devices, such as computers, when not in use. Additionally, chargers for laptops and cellphones should be unplugged when not connected to the device since they consume energy whenever plugged into the outlet. Avoid placing refrigerators or freezers near heat sources such as stoves, heating ducts or dishwashers. The heat causes them to use more energy to remain cold.
9. Revise Your Laundering Process
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Only wash full loads of laundry. Even if your washer has a medium setting, it consumes more than half the energy required to wash a full load. Don’t use the highest temperature setting unless your clothes are excessively soiled. Clean the lint trap before using the dryer so that clothes dry faster. You may consider line drying your clothes.
10. Strategic Landscaping
Planting deciduous trees on the south or west side of your home will provide shade in the summer to help reduce your cooling bill. In the winter, the trees lose their leaves, allowing the sun to provide additional warmth.
2 Point Highlight
Conserving energy in your home can provide a more comfortable living environment, lower the cost of electricity and help reduce pollution.
A few small changes in your daily routine can add up to substantial energy savings
