You turn off the lights when you leave the room, plug in the gas tank to drain, and just run a full load in your dishwasher. Yet if you’re following the basics of home energy conservation, whether to save the earth or just save some cash, there’s still a lot you can do.
By now you probably know to unplug so-called “vampire” electronic devices, such as small appliances and computer electronics, when they’re not in use—they account for up to 10 percent of total energy use in a typical home. However, unplugging these energy suckers won’t solve your electric bill woes. As you will see here, inefficient or outdated home fixtures, not keeping up with home maintenance and sometimes carelessness can hamper energy costs.
1. Dirty filters
Dirty furnace filters are the number-one cause of HVAC system failure because they restrict airflow to the furnace air handler and stress the entire system. Clean or replace the furnace filter at least once a month to keep your heating system running efficiently. While you’re at it, regularly dust or vacuum vents, returns, registers, and ducts to reduce the load on your furnace.
Be sure to check it out while you’re at it Clean or replace the AC filter Every month during the summer. Doing so will increase your energy efficiency by 5 to 15 percent.
2. Inadequate insulation
There’s a reason your mother always told you to wear a hat: you lose half of your body heat if your head is covered. The same concept applies to your home: just as you cover your head before heading out in the winter, you should make sure you have enough. Attic insulation To avoid heat loss. According to Energy StarYou should have at least 10 to 14 inches of insulation in the attic, or enough so that you don’t see the joists.
3. Over-the-hill water heater
Water heaters account for 13 percent of all residential energy consumption and represents the second largest source of household energy consumption. According to the US Department of Energy, more than 41 million water heaters in service today are at least 10 years old. Replacing those older heaters with ENERGY STAR-certified models would save nearly $10 billion a year.
4. Leaky doors and windows
Small cracks and gaps around windows, doors, vents or ductwork can add up to a lot of wasted energy. Check your exit points annually for leaks (you can use a lighted candle to check for drafts). Seal leaks with caulk or weatherstripping to reduce heating costs by up to 10 percent.
5. Inefficient light bulbs
The wasted energy from inefficient incense burners can really add up over time. Energy Star-qualified bulbs and fixtures use 70 to 90 percent less energy than standard bulbs and last 10 to 25 times longer. And when the holidays roll around, decorate with LED string lights – they use 90 percent less energy than traditional incandescent displays.
The best string lights
Brightown G40 LED Outdoor String Light Set
Brighttown’s 100-foot-long LED string lights have 50 bulbs and are waterproof and dimmer compatible. Read the review.
Look at that
Photo: Amazon
6. Entries without storm doors
If you notice a draft coming from the front or back door, your home could benefit from it The storm doorAn upgrade that is great for both temperature control and energy conservation. A storm door can increase your home’s energy efficiency by up to 45 percent.
7. Ceiling fan on wrong setting
Ceiling fans can help distribute air throughout a room, reducing cooling costs in the summer and heating costs in the winter. To achieve the desired effect, make sure you are using your fans correctly: run Ceiling fan counterclockwise Pushing air downwards during summer; Run them clockwise in winter so warm air moves down and into the room.
8. 20th century refrigerators
Older refrigerators are real energy hogs: a 1970s fridge uses four times as much energy as a newer Energy Star model. Changing that fridge from The Brady Bunch era can save the average homeowner about $200 per year, while replacing a 1980s unit can save about $100 a year.
9. Foundation cracks
You might not think that your home’s foundation has any impact on your energy consumption, but it does Cracks or gaps in the foundation Can survive too much heat or cold. Carefully inspect your foundation every year, and repair any cracks. Also, seal gaps around vents or ductwork with caulk or spray foam insulation.
10. Drapes that are open on the wrong side of the house
Not using window coverings like curtains, draperies, blinds and shades in the best possible way can mean wasted energy and money. In summer, keep window coverings closed on the sunny side of your home to reduce cooling costs; In winter, let the sun shine To help heat the house.
11. Thermostats that are set too low in the summer
Don’t set the thermostat too low in the summer or too high in the winter. During the summer months, set it between 75°F and 78°F; Every degree you raise the thermostat can result in a 5 percent savings in cooling costs. In winter, set the thermostat to 68°F during the day and lower it to 60°F at night; For every degree you lower the temperature below 70°F, you can save about 3 percent on heating costs.
12. Cool, empty room
Why cool the house when no one is home? A Programmable thermostat Keep the house at a comfortable temperature when the family is home, then turn off the air conditioning or turn down the heat during the day when everyone is gone. This automation can save you hundreds of dollars a year. For maximum convenience, control your thermostat from your smartphone—to see if you’ve left the HVAC system running, or to turn it on or off when you get home.
13. Sprawling, open lawns (and misplaced trees)
Things you do outside your home can help you spend less on electricity. Strategically planting shade trees Can shelter you from the hot rays in summer and reduce air conditioning costs by 15 to 50 percent. Intensive maintenance Evergreen trees Or shrubs on the north side of your home can help block winter winds and reduce internal drafts, lowering heating bills. For maximum effect, plant such as deciduous trees MaplesPoplars, oaks, locusts, to block solar heat in summer. When the leaves and temperatures begin to drop in autumn, open spaces let in the warm sunlight.
14. Open fireplace dampers
It may sound counterintuitive, but a roaring fire can actually lose more heat than it should because warm air from inside your home is sucked up the chimney. If you want to use a fireplace, install a glass screen, convection grate, or other type of radiant insert to reduce heat loss, and always close the damper when the fireplace is not in use.
15. Underinflated tires
Don’t overlook the potential energy savings for your car! Check your tires regularly and make sure they are inflated to the recommended air pressure. This one simple step can improve your gas mileage by 1 to 3 percent, according to fuel economy advisories US Department of Energy.
Driving too fast wastes gas. If you follow the 55 mph speed limit instead of 65 mph, you can improve your gas mileage by about 15 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. You should also avoid sudden starts, as the automobile industry estimates that up to 50 percent of your car’s energy is used in acceleration. Gradual acceleration saves gas and makes for a more pleasant ride.
Even if you’re not selling your home, you’ll appreciate curb appeal updates
