Energy Efficiency Basics for the Home
With the rise in energy costs, it's more important then ever to make sure your home is as efficient as possible when it uses energy. Here are some tips to saving energy and money:
Windows
Windows let hot air in during the summer, increasing cooling costs. By replacing old windows with new Energy Star rated, double pane windows, you will reap the rewards of lower heating and cooling costs all year long. In addition, during the summer, you can further decrease costs through the savvy use of curtains or blinds to block the sun's rays from heating up your home through the windows.
Appliances
Use of appliances accounts for one of the largest expenditures on your energy bill. The main way you can save on the cost of running your appliances is by buying Energy Star efficient appliances. This insures that your stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and other appliances are as efficient as possible. In general, Energy Star rated appliances will save you one third on energy costs.
Lighting
One of the easiest ways to drastically reduce your energy bill is to replace your current lighting with energy efficient lighting. Indoor lighting costs can take a tumble when you replace traditional lightbulbs with new fluorescent lightbulbs. For outdoor lighting, such as landscape lighting, there are now solar lights that require no electricity at all. To save even more money, make sure to turn off all lights when they are not in use.
Water Heater
Your water heater usually accounts for 12-16% of a typical household's energy costs. However, there are some simple things you can do to lower the costs for this appliance. Consider insulating your water heater, if it isn't already. Also, showering uses surprisingly less hot water than filling a bathtub, so consider showering more often than bathing. Make sure the thermostat is set to a more efficient temperature. Many water heaters are installed with the default thermostat setting at the highest temperature. Just turning down this temperature will save energy and money. In addition, installing heat traps will prevent leakage.
Computers
Millions of people now work from home offices. By making sure all your computers, printers and fax machines are Energy Star approved, this will save you energy and money. Also, when you aren't using your computer, don't leave it on all night, make sure to turn it off, this is safer and more efficient. Use sleep mode and make sure power management settings are activated for every machine in your home office.
Electronics
TV's, stereos, clocks and other electronics are draining electricity, even when they are turned off. Make sure all your electronics are turned off when you aren't using them, unplugging is the best way to insure that no electricity is being used. In addition, just like computers and other appliances, many electronics are now Energy Star rated, look for those words when making your next electronics purchase.
Windows
Windows let hot air in during the summer, increasing cooling costs. By replacing old windows with new Energy Star rated, double pane windows, you will reap the rewards of lower heating and cooling costs all year long. In addition, during the summer, you can further decrease costs through the savvy use of curtains or blinds to block the sun's rays from heating up your home through the windows.
Appliances
Use of appliances accounts for one of the largest expenditures on your energy bill. The main way you can save on the cost of running your appliances is by buying Energy Star efficient appliances. This insures that your stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and other appliances are as efficient as possible. In general, Energy Star rated appliances will save you one third on energy costs.
Lighting
One of the easiest ways to drastically reduce your energy bill is to replace your current lighting with energy efficient lighting. Indoor lighting costs can take a tumble when you replace traditional lightbulbs with new fluorescent lightbulbs. For outdoor lighting, such as landscape lighting, there are now solar lights that require no electricity at all. To save even more money, make sure to turn off all lights when they are not in use.
Water Heater
Your water heater usually accounts for 12-16% of a typical household's energy costs. However, there are some simple things you can do to lower the costs for this appliance. Consider insulating your water heater, if it isn't already. Also, showering uses surprisingly less hot water than filling a bathtub, so consider showering more often than bathing. Make sure the thermostat is set to a more efficient temperature. Many water heaters are installed with the default thermostat setting at the highest temperature. Just turning down this temperature will save energy and money. In addition, installing heat traps will prevent leakage.
Computers
Millions of people now work from home offices. By making sure all your computers, printers and fax machines are Energy Star approved, this will save you energy and money. Also, when you aren't using your computer, don't leave it on all night, make sure to turn it off, this is safer and more efficient. Use sleep mode and make sure power management settings are activated for every machine in your home office.
Electronics
TV's, stereos, clocks and other electronics are draining electricity, even when they are turned off. Make sure all your electronics are turned off when you aren't using them, unplugging is the best way to insure that no electricity is being used. In addition, just like computers and other appliances, many electronics are now Energy Star rated, look for those words when making your next electronics purchase.