If you're interested in protecting the environment or just want to lower your utility bills, it may be time to make some simple adjustments to your home. There are lots of simple things that any homeowner can do to make a house more energy-efficient, and doing so can also raise the value of your home, making it easier to sell someday. You might even be able to put the money you save toward paying down your mortgage faster. Even if you have to spend a bit of money up front, a few changes today can really pay off in the long run.
Kitchen and Laundry Appliances
The kitchen and laundry rooms are often hot spots for energy consumption due to the many appliances used in these areas. To save energy, choose appliances with the Energy Star label. Here are some other tips to help you maximize your energy savings:
Refrigerators
- Set the refrigerator temperature between 35 and 38 degrees and the freezer temperature between 0 and 5 degrees.
- Avoid opening the door of your fridge or freezer frequently; every time you do, you're letting out some of the cold air.
- Remove dust and debris from the condenser coils at the back of the refrigerator to improve efficiency.
Dishwashers
- Ensure that dishes are properly loaded to allow for optimal water and detergent distribution.
- Don't run a half-empty dishwasher; wait until it's full.
- Turn on the dishwasher before you go to bed. Running it late at night avoids the hours when energy use is as its peak, when electricity can be more expensive.
- If your dishwasher has an air-dry option, use it instead of the heated drying cycle.
Laundry Machines
- Use cold water for most laundry loads.
- Avoid washing small loads, as it's more energy-efficient to run a full load.
- Keep your dryer's exhaust vent clear and the lint trap empty to help it work more efficiently.
- Consider line-drying clothes whenever possible.
Heating and Cooling
Heating and cooling systems are major contributors to your home's energy consumption, especially during summer and winter. By optimizing their energy use, you can see significant savings.
Thermostats
- Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in winter and higher in summer.
- Use a programmable thermostat that adjusts settings automatically based on your daily schedule.
Heating and Cooling Equipment
- Schedule annual checks for your HVAC system.
- Clean or replace filters regularly to improve airflow and performance.
- If you need to replace your furnace, consider a heat pump; heat pumps don't use fossil fuels and cost less to operate.
- Install window-mounted air conditioners so that they fit snugly, and insulate or remove them in the winter.
- Set your ceiling fan's direction to recirculate heated or cooled air: It should spin clockwise in the winter and counterclockwise in the summer.
Insulation
Proper insulation is key to maintaining a comfortable house while minimizing energy costs. Effective insulation helps keep warm air in during the winter and cool air in during the summer.
Doors and Windows
- Inspect doors and windows for drafts, and seal gaps with weather-stripping or caulk to prevent energy loss.
- Add door sweeps, thresholds, or door shoes to block gaps at the bottom of your exterior doors.
- Use curtains to your advantage: Open them to let in warmth from the sun during winter days, and keep them closed on summer days to keep the heat out.
- Consider installing Energy Star-certified double- or triple-pane windows, which provide better insulation than single-pane models.
Insulation
Ensure that your attic and walls are adequately insulated. If they aren't, replace the insulation or hire a professional to do it.
Lighting
Effective lighting choices can greatly reduce energy consumption in your home. By making a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy well-lit spaces while saving on your energy bills.
Light Bulbs and Fixtures
- Replace traditional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs with energy-efficient alternatives, such as LEDs or smart bulbs.
- Always look for light bulbs with the Energy Star label.
- Use dimmers to reduce the wattage used to light a room.
- Add motion sensors to exterior lights so they only turn on when you need them.
Decorative Lighting
Turn off your festive holiday lights when you don't need them on, or connect them to a programmable timer or a sensor that automatically detects daylight.
Outdoor Fixtures
Chimneys
Seal gaps around chimneys and furnace flues.
Pools and Hot Tubs
- Choose the smallest pump for your pool that will do the job, and use a timer to operate it only when needed.
- Regularly clean the filter for optimal performance.
- Install solar water heating systems and use covers to minimize energy use.
Computers and Other Electronics
Computers and other electronic devices in your home office can consume a surprising amount of energy, especially when they're left on or in standby mode.
Computers
- Remember to turn off the monitor of your desktop computer, not just the tower.
- Consider laptops or tablets, as they generally use less energy than desktop computers.
- Reduce the screen brightness, and use your computer's power management settings.
- If you need to step away from your computer for a moment, turn off the monitor or put it in standby mode.
- Purchase Energy Star-certified computers.
Office Equipment
- Turn off office equipment, like copiers, printers, and fax machines, when it's not in use.
- Plug office equipment into power strips so you can cut the power to all of them with the press of a switch.
Additional Resources for Homeowners and Residents
