Perhaps you never thought of your home as a likely place to save money, but it is. Most homes are far from being energy-efficient. That means if you're using more energy than you have to, you're also paying more. We'd like to help you use energy wisely.
This doesn't mean you have to give up comfort and convenience. And you don't have to invest a lot of money either. We can show you how to turn your house from an energy glutton into a comfortable home that won't break your piggy bank.
Here are some wise energy ideas you can put to use right away. You can do many of them yourself. Others may require a licensed contractor.
(The range of savings estimates is for one year, based on average utility costs.)
| If You . . . | You Can Save . . . |
|---|---|
| • Seal leaks in your attic, basement, fireplace and around electrical outlets | 1–2 percent on heating or cooling costs |
| • Lower nighttime thermostat at least 10 degrees for 8 to 10 hours (not recommended for heat pumps) | 10–20 percent on heating costs |
| • Install programmable thermostat — 10 degrees set back for 8 to 10 hours | 10–20 percent on heating costs |
| • Reduce winter thermostat setting | 3–5 percent per degree on heating costs |
| • Service heating and cooling systems and adjust for maximum efficiency | Up to 15 percent on heating and cooling costs |
| • Increase summer thermostat setting | 6–8 percent per degree on cooling costs |
| • Turn thermostat off when home is unoccupied for extended periods of time | up to 15 percent on heating and cooling costs |
| • Install flow restricting devices in showers and faucets | 5–10 percent on water heating use |
| • Lower water heater thermostat settings to 120 degrees, 140 degrees for dishwasher | 2–10 percent on water heating costs |
| • Seal leaks in HVAC ductwork | 10–30 percent on heating and cooling costs |
| • Shade windows or install reflective material to windows | 2–12 percent on cooling costs |
| • Use a clothesline instead of electric dryer | 2–4 percent on overall energy costs |
| • Replace furnace burner (oil) | 10–15 percent on heating costs |
| • Replace central air conditioner with more efficient unit | 14–40 percent on cooling costs |
| • Caulk windows and doors | 1–4 percent on heating and cooling costs |
| • Weather-strip windows and doors | 1–8 percent on heating and cooling costs |
| • Install insulation wrap on water heater and pipes | 5–10 percent on water heating costs |
| • Insulate walls | 5–15 percent on heating and cooling costs based on no existing insulation |
| • Insulate ceilings | 1–20 percent on heating and cooling, based on R-6 or 2–3 inches of insulation |
| • Insulate crawl space or floor over unconditioned areas | 10–15 percent on heating and cooling costs based on no existing insulation |
| • Install plastic inserts on poorly sealed windows | 5–10 percent on heating and cooling costs |
| • Replace swimming pool heater with solar heating | 60–90 percent on present pool heating costs from non-renewable resources |
| • Install solar domestic water heating | 50–80 percent on water heating costs |
| • Install heat recovery water heating | 35–55 percent on water heating costs with central air conditioning |
