There are many ways to lower home energy consumption. Many are DIY, low cost or even no cost. Here are some helpful tips that apply to most homes:
1. Set your thermostat to 78°F in the summer and 68°F or lower in the winter. Adjust the settings to reduce heating or cooling when away for a few hours, but be aware that pipes may freeze if the temperatures near the pipes reach 32° F or below. Consider installing a programmable thermostat and save energy by automatically adjusting your thermostat to energy-saving temperatures during hour away from home and while sleeping.
2. Seal duct leaks at joints and connections with mastic (never use duct tape, since it doesn't stay attached). Make sure airflow to and from the heating and air conditioning system is unobstructed. Keep window treatments and household furnishings from blocking air vents.
3. Check heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) filters monthly and replace or clean as recommended by the manufacturer or every month. For maximum efficiency, have a professional check and service your system annually.
4. When replacing heating or cooling equipment, electronics and appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR® rating and read EnergyGuide labels.
5. Vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils periodically and remove frost from manual defrost freezers.
6. Turn off lights, fans and TVs when leaving a room. Keep light covers clean for maximum brightness.
7. Add sealants or foam gaskets behind electrical outlets and light switch plates, especially on outer walls. Use caulk or foam sealants to seal gaps and air leaks in walls and ceilings. Weatherstrip leaky doors and windows.
8. When incandescent bulbs burn out, replace with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)—they use less energy and last years longer. Read the label and fine print to ensure selection of the correct CFL for the light fixture and situation.
9. Use ceiling fans in occupied rooms to feel cooler at higher thermostat setting in summer. When the space is unoccupied, save energy by turning the fans off.
10. Lower your water heater thermostat to 120°F. Your household may have need for hotter temperatures for very soiled clothing, diapers, if someone is ill or if the dishwasher does not have a water temperature booster.
11. Install a water heater jacket or blanket to insulate the water heater - especially older water heaters.
12. Insulate hot water pipes to retain heat.
13. To cut water heating costs, adjust water levels to match the load size; take baths with less water or take shorter showers; install low flow shower heads, faucet aerators; do not leave water running while washing hands, shaving, or washing dishes; and repair water leaks. Wash laundry in cold water or warm water when possible.
14. In the winter, open south window coverings to allow the sun to heat surfaces. Close window coverings when outside temperatures are cold. In summer, close window coverings to block the hot summer sun. Even better, install either sun screens or solar film to reduce summer heat gain while retaining daylight and the view.
15. Limit standby power by unplugging chargers, computer equipment, power conversion packs, and electronics. Be aware that any base unit communicating with a portable unit (such as a cordless phone) is drawing power. Using a power strip will make powering down electronic equipment easier.
16. Consider air sealing and adding insulation to the attic floor.
For more information, see Home Energy Savers
