Conservation methods -
1. Lighting 2. Refrigerator/Freezer 3. Cooling 4. Heating 5. Laundry 6. Dishwashing 7. Cooking 8. Office/Electronics Equipment 9. Water Heating
Lighting Tips
Browse Tips
No Cost
Disconnect or remove lamps in multiple lamp fixtures. Use task lighting where needed. Use up to 50% less in lighting energy.
Make sure you are getting the best possible light by cleaning fixtures and replacing any yellowed or hazy lenses and diffusers twice a year.
Open blinds and shades. Turn off lights in unoccupied areas or in spaces with sufficient natural lighting.
Turn off the lights when not needed. It is a myth that leaving them on uses less energy than turning them off. Turn off signage and other lights not necessary for security and safety.
Low Cost
Buy fixtures that have a dimmer, which allow you to manually adjust the intensity of light in a room. Because most lights use less electricity at lower settings, you do not need to pay for more light than you need. Dimmers can be used with incandescent lights, including low-voltage systems, but only with new-screw-based dimmable fluorescent bulbs. Other fluorescent lights must have their own dimmable ballasts.
Rooms that have several kinds of lights — i.e. overhead and counter lights in a kitchen — should have separate switches for the various types. A three-level switch on table and floor lamps is an easy way to use one fixture for several lighting needs.
Use task lighting; instead of brightly lighting an entire room, focus the light where you need it. For example, use fluorescent under-cabinet lighting for kitchen sinks and countertops.
Good Investment
Before going to buy compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), write down the light output of the standard A-shaped incandescent bulbs you want to replace. Then check the lumens rating on the CFL package and buy lamps that provide approximately the same amount of light. For example, most 60-watt incandescents provide around 800 lumens, so look for ENERGY STAR CFLs that provide 800 lumens or more.
Consider using 4-Watt mini-fluorescent or electro-luminescent night-lights. Both are much more efficient lights than regular low-wattage night-lights. The luminescent lights are cool to the touch.
If you have torchiere fixtures with halogen lamps, replace them with ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent torchieres. Halogen lamps generate excessive heat that can create fire hazards. Compact fluorescents are cooler, use 60% to 80% less energy.
Install ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) in the fixtures you use most frequently. CFLs are most efficient when they operate for two or more hours at a time. CFLs use at least 66% less energy and last 10 times longer than incandescent lights. Replacing four of the most often used incandescent light bulbs with CFLs can save you $35 annually.
Use ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) in the fixtures that are hard to reach such as ceiling fans, other ceiling fixtures and enclosed outdoor fixtures. Because CFLs last longer, you enjoy the convenience of buying and changing bulbs less frequently.
Refrigerator Tips
No Cost
Adjust the refrigerator temperature settings. Optimum refrigerator range is 37 to 40°F and freezer range is 0 to 5°F. If the temperature control system does not specify degrees, check the manual for corresponding settings.
Keep the refrigerator full. A full refrigerator retains cold better than an empty one. If the refrigerator is nearly empty, store water-filled containers inside. The mass of cold items will enable the refrigerator to recover more quickly after the door has been opened. On the other hand, don’t overfill it, since that will interfere with the circulation of cold air inside.
Keep your refrigerator away from heat sources, such as an oven, a dishwasher and direct sunlight from a window. A 10°F increase in surrounding temperature can result in 20% higher energy consumption.
Minimize door openings as much as possible. Every time the refrigerator door is opened, cooled air escapes. The unit must then work harder to replace the air. Try to keep the door open no longer than necessary. Be sure to close the door completely.
Good Investment
Choose top-freezer models instead of side-by-side refrigerators, which use approximately 10 to 25% more energy.
Refrigerators with anti-sweat heaters (which prevent condensation) consume 5 to 10% more energy. Look for models with an ”energy saver” switch that lets you turn down — or off — the heaters.
Select a refrigerator that is the right size for the household’s needs. Larger models use more energy, as do refrigerators that are under-utilized or overly full.
Cooling Tips
No Cost
Check the settings on the room air conditioner. Make sure the ”fresh air” vent on the air conditioner is closed so you are not cooling outside air.
Close drapes, blinds and shades to keep sun’s rays out of the home during the warmer months, particularly for south-facing windows.
Move the room air conditioner. If possible, put the air conditioner in a north-facing or shaded window; direct sunlight reduces efficiency. Remove and store the air conditioner during the winter rather than keeping it in the window.
On hot days, avoid using the oven; cook on the stove, use a microwave oven, or grill outside.
Open windows at night. If you live in a climate where it cools off at night, turn off your cooling system and open your windows while sleeping. When you wake in the morning, shut the windows and blinds to capture the cool air.
Turn off fans when you leave the room. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect.
When you shower or take a bath, use the bathroom fan to remove the heat and humidity from your home. Your laundry room might also benefit from spot ventilation. Make sure bathroom and kitchen fans are vented to the outside (not just to the attic).
Low Cost
Remove and clean room air conditioner filters monthly. Dirty filters reduce the efficiency of the air conditioner.
Seal any holes with caulk or spray foam where TV/cable wires, pipes, bathroom plumbing, ductwork, or vents enter or exit your home.
Use ceiling fans or other circulating fans, (such as table and floor fans) to improve your comfort level and reduce air conditioning costs.
Good Investment
Caulk and weather-strip around windows and door frames that leak air. If replacing windows, choose ENERGY STAR qualified models designed for your area, and save $20–$95 each year in energy costs.
Consider installing a whole house fan. An attic whole house fan draws cooler air into the home and forces hot air out through attic vents. Use it when the air is cool outside, such as in the early morning. Whole house fans typically use about one-third of the electricity of a central air conditioner.
Consider installing a whole-house evaporative cooler if you live in a dry climate. An evaporative cooler uses as much as 75% less electricity as an air conditioner, saving approximately $150 a year. For hotter desert climates, the savings can be much more.
Consider planting trees and shrubs in strategic locations to help reduce the temperature and airflow in your house. Deciduous trees planted on the west and south sides of your home help to keep the house shaded during the season’s peak heating times.
If your old central air conditioner is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR model, which uses 20% less energy than a standard new model. Look for a SEER rating of at least 12.
If your room air conditioner unit is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR room air conditioner, which uses at least 10% less energy than a standard new model. Select the unit with the highest Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) for greater savings. Ask a trained salesperson for help choosing the size that’s right for your needs.
Install a door sweep on the door to your garage to seal the gap between the bottom of your door and the threshold. This prevents warm air from coming in and cool air from escaping your home.
Install an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat away from natural cool and hot spots. An ENERGY STAR thermostat can save as much as $115 per year, provide more flexibility than standard models and perform one or more of the following functions: Save and repeat multiple daily settings, which you can change when needed without affecting the rest of the daily or weekly program; store four or more temperature settings a day; and adjust heating or air conditioning turn-on times as the outside temperature changes.
Install awnings on south- and west-facing windows. Apply sun-control or other reflective films on south-facing windows to reduce solar gain.
Look for a room air conditioner with a filter that slides out easily for regular cleaning. Clean filters help keep the unit in good working condition.
When buying an air conditioner, enlist the services of a qualified technician to ensure your unit is properly sized and installed for your home/building. A unit that is too large will not only cost you more up front, but will actually work less efficiently, costing you more to operate over its lifetime.
Heating Tips
No Cost
Close drapes, blinds and shades to help retain heat at night or during unoccupied periods. Keep them open during the day to let light in, particularly for south-facing windows.
If you have an air conditioner, remove and store it during the winter rather than keeping it in the window.
In the winter, reverse your ceiling fan motor so that the blades push air up toward the ceiling, where hot air normally rises. The fan will drive the warm air back down around the edges of the room, which can result in more even heating. Better heat circulation will help combat the problem of sweating windows that some homes experience in the wintertime because of condensation on the glass.
Keep the fireplace damper closed when the fireplace is not in use. Closing the damper prevents up to 8% of furnace-heated air from going up the chimney. If the fireplace is never used, the damper should be sealed with weather-stripping and the chimney stuffed with fiberglass insulation. Remove this material from the chimney before a fire is lit in the fireplace.
Set the temperature lower in the winter when your home is unoccupied. Use a programmable thermostat to automatically lower and raise the temperature according to your settings.
Set the thermostat as low as comfortably possible in the winter. The less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall heating bill will be.
Low Cost
Clean furnace filters monthly. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use. Keep the furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted to save up to 5% of heating costs.
During the winter months use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frame. Hardware and home improvement stores sell products specifically for this. Remember, the plastic must be sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.
During the winter months, replace your screens with storm windows to provide an extra barrier to the cold outside air. This can reduce heat loss through the windows by 25% to 50%.
If your home has radiators, place heat-resistant reflectors between radiators and walls. This can even be done by covering a piece of cardboard with tinfoil. Be sure that the reflector does not touch the unit itself. In the winter, this will help heat the room instead of the wall.
Install an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat away from natural cool and hot spots. An ENERGY STAR thermostat can save as much as $115 per year, provide more flexibility than standard models and perform one or more of the following functions: Save and repeat multiple daily settings, which you can change when needed without affecting the rest of the daily or weekly program; store four or more temperature settings a day; and adjust heating or air conditioning turn-on times as the outside temperature changes.
Seal any holes with caulk or spray foam where TV/cable wires, pipes, bathroom plumbing, ductwork, or vents enter or exit your home.
Good Investment
Caulk and weather-strip around windows and door frames that leak air. If replacing windows, choose ENERGY STAR qualified models designed for your area, and save $20–$95 each year in energy costs.
Fireplace inserts or wood stoves are available to fit into an existing fireplace. These inserts are equipped with glass or metal doors, outside combustion air vents, and heat circulation blowers. Fireplace inserts dramatically improve fireplace efficiency by blowing heat from the fire into the room and limiting the amount of heat and conditioned air lost up the chimney. Fireplace inserts are recommended for fireplaces that are regularly used. Before installing a fireplace insert, be sure to check the manufacturer’s safety specifications and make sure the fireplace insert is compatible with the existing chimney or vent flue.
If you use electricity to heat your home, consider installing an energy-efficient heat pump system. Heat pumps are the most efficient form of electric heating in moderate climates, providing up to three times more heating than the equivalent amount of electrical energy it consumes. A heat pump cools your home by collecting the heat inside your house and effectively pumping it outside. A heat pump can trim the amount of electricity you use for heating as much as 30 to 40%.
If your furnace is more than 15 years old, replace it with an ENERGY STAR qualified furnace, which is 15% more efficient than a conventional furnace. If you have a boiler, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR qualified boiler that is 10% more efficient than a new, standard model.
If your heat pump is more than 10 years old, replace it with an ENERGY STAR heat pump, which uses at least 20% less energy than a standard new model.
In cold climates, install tight fitting window shades and insulating curtains.
Install a door sweep on the door to your garage to seal the gap between the bottom of your door and the threshold. This prevents cold air from coming in and warm air from escaping your home.
Install glass doors on fireplaces, which act as a barrier against warmed air returning up the chimney. Some models of glass doors are equipped with small vents along the bottom or sides to allow a controlled amount of combustion airflow into the fireplace. The glass allows the heat from the fire to radiate into the room. Because glass doors reduce the amount of conditioned air that is drawn up the chimney, they also reduce infiltration of outside air into the home.
Laundry Tips
No Cost
Clean the lint from the clothes dryer after every load. The efficiency of the dryer goes down when lint collects over the dryer filter. Run full loads and use the moisture-sensing setting. Save 5% on your electric bill.
Dry similar types of fabrics together. For example, put towels together in one load. A lower dryer temperature may be used for certain clothes. See the owner’s manual for more information.
Keep the clothes dryer’s outside exhaust clean. A clogged exhaust lengthens drying time and increases energy use.
Line-dry clothes whenever possible. This can save up to 5% of your energy costs.
Presoak or use the soak cycle when washing heavily soiled garments. You will avoid two washings and save energy.
Good Investment
Buy an ENERGY STAR clothes washer, which uses 50% less energy and 40% less water per load than a conventional machine. Save as much as $113 annually.
Choose a clothes washer with a ”mini-basket.” A mini-basket is a small tub that fits over the agitator, allowing you to wash very small loads.
Choose the right size clothes washer for your needs. ENERGY STAR clothes washers are available in many sizes, ranging in capacity from 1.6 to 3.8 cubic feet.
Install high-efficiency commercial washers, including but not limited to front-loading machines, which can cut energy costs up to 50% and use about 30% less water (18 to 25 gallons of water per load, compared to 40 gallons used by a standard machine). Energy-efficient and front-loading commercial clothes washers also last five to 10 years longer than standard, top-loading machines.
Select a gas clothes dryer if possible. Gas dryers cost on average 15 to 20 cents per load to operate, while electric dryers cost on average 30 to 40 cents per load.
When shopping for energy-efficient appliances, don’t be misled by labels such as ”Energy Miser,” ”Energy Saver” and ”Fuel Saver.” The best way to determine energy efficiency of appliances is to compare information provided by EnergyGuide labels.
Dishwasher Tips
No Cost
Avoid using the ”rinse hold” setting on your dishwasher. ”Rinse hold” uses three to seven gallons of hot water for each use, and heating water takes extra energy. Never use ”rinse hold” for just a few dirty dishes.
Check and clean the dishwasher drain as necessary. Solid pieces of food waste can build up over the dishwasher drain and cause the dishwasher to work harder.
If your dishwasher has an air-dry setting, use it instead of the heat-dry setting. You will cut the dishwasher’s energy use 15 to 50%. If there is no air-dry setting, turn the dishwasher off after its final rinse and open the door. The dishes will dry without using extra electricity.
Load dishes in their proper locations to ensure maximum cleaning efficiency. See the dishwasher owner’s manual for instructions on proper loading.
Reduce hot water temperature. Set the water heater to the ”normal” setting or 120°F, unless the owner’s manual for the dishwasher requires a higher setting. Savings are 7 to 11% of water heating costs.
Run the dishwasher only when fully loaded. If necessary, scrape dirty dishes (with cold rather than hot water) and store them in the dishwasher until you have a full load.
Run your dishwasher after 7 p.m. Wash only full loads and use the shortest possible cycle.
Scrape don’t rinse dishes before loading the dishwasher. Pre-rinsing can use up to 20 gallons of water.
Good Investment
Buy an ENERGY STAR dishwasher with energy-saving settings, such as partial load setting (which uses less hot water) and energy-efficient drying cycles.
Choose a dishwasher that gives you the option of air-drying the dishes, instead of heat-drying, which consumes more energy.
Switching from hand washing to an ENERGY STAR dishwasher could potentially result in substantial water and energy savings. If you leave the water running when washing dishes by hand, you can use up to 24 gallons of water. ENERGY STAR dishwasher uses roughly 7 gallons of water. You can also save energy by reducing the need to heat water.
Cooking Tips
No Cost
Cook during temperate hours. Avoid preparing meals that require you to use the range or oven extensively on hot days. This helps to reduce the load on your air conditioner and makes you feel more comfortable in your home.
Cook with a full oven. Prepare dishes together when possible. If you have three dishes to be cooked in the oven at slightly different temperatures (325°F, 350°F and 375°F, for example), pick the average temperature (350°F in this case) to cook all three.
Don’t peek. Every time you open the oven door to look at the food, the oven temperature is lowered by 25°F to 75°F. Use a timer if the oven door does not have a window.
Keep oven and burners clean and kitchen ventilated. A clean oven uses energy more efficiently.
Minimize or eliminate preheating. Don’t preheat the oven if the food requires more than one hour of cooking time.
Use cooking time wisely. Turn off the electric range two to three minutes before the task is done and allow the residual heat to finish the job.
Use leftover heat as a food warmer. Turn off oven immediately when finished cooking. Ovens retain heat for up to 30 minutes after they have been turned off.
Use microwave ovens to save energy. Microwave ovens are about 33% more efficient than convection ovens and 66% more efficient than conventional ovens.
Use the broiler when possible. The broiler uses less energy, and preheating is not required.
Use the right sized pot on stove burners. A 6” pot on an 8” burner wastes over 40% of the burner’s heat. Also, cover pots and pans to keep heat in.
Low Cost
Double your recipe — and freeze half for later. Reheating uses less energy.
Good Investment
Choose a stove range with burners that fit a variety of pan sizes. Energy is wasted if you use a small pan on a large burner.
Electric ranges containing ceramic, halogen or induction range elements are more efficient than the type containing electric coils. They are also easier to clean and allow for greater temperature control.
Select a self-cleaning oven. It’s better insulated than other models, so they are more energy-efficient when used appropriately.
Select ovens with windows. This allows you to check food without opening the door. Look for self-cleaning features (ensures additional insulation) and electronic or programmable models with timers (for a more precise use of cooking energy).
Use convection units in combination with conventional ovens. This combination cooks faster at lower temperatures.
Office Equipment Tips
No Cost
Configure your computer to sleep mode. For ideal savings, set your power management to turn off your monitor after 10 minutes and your hard disks after 20 minutes.
Do not leave equipment in sleep mode overnight because it will continue to draw a small amount of power. Turn off all equipment every night — especially monitors and printers. Monitors usually consume twice the electricity as CPUs.
Turn off your screen savers. There is a common misconception that screen savers reduce energy use by monitors; they do not. Today’s screen savers actually waste power by keeping your computer active.
Unplug chargers and other office electronics or plug them into a power strip which can be turned off with the flick of a switch. Laptop and other plug-in chargers continue to draw power even when they are not in use.
Good Investment
Look for energy-saving ENERGY STAR labeled home electronics, including computers. An ENERGY STAR labeled computer uses 70% less electricity than computers without this designation.
Save energy and space with an ENERGY STAR qualified multi-function device that combines several capabilities (print, fax, copy, scan). Make sure power management features are enabled for additional savings.
Use laptop computers. Laptops use up to 90% less energy than a desktop computer.
Water Heater Tips
No Cost
Like dishwashers, up to 90% of the cost of operating washing machines is associated with the energy needed to heat the water. Reduce the amount of hot water used by washing clothes in cold water, instead of hot or warm water. You can save up to 10% on water heating costs by washing and rinsing your clothes in cold water. Select a laundry detergent formulated to clean effectively in cold water. Washing only full loads will also reduce hot-water consumption.
Reduce the amount of hot water used by turning the hot-water faucet off while shaving or brushing your teeth.
Use off-peak power to heat water. For those who have an electric water heater, this usage contributes to the electric utility company’s ”peak load,” or the largest amount of power demand that they have to meet on a daily basis.
Some utilities are required to offer their customers ”time of use” rates that vary according to the demand on their system. Lower rates may be charged at ”off-peak” times and higher rates at ”on-peak” times.
Check with your local electric utility to find out if it offers time-of-use rates for residential customers. Some utilities even offer incentives for customers who allow their utility to install control devices that shut off electric water heaters during peak demand periods.
When you plan to be away from home for three or more days, turn the water heater thermostat down to the lowest setting, or turn the heater off completely. Be sure you know how to relight the pilot light on the gas heater before you turn it off.
Low Cost
For electric water heaters, install a timer that can automatically turn the heater off at night and on in the morning. A simple timer can pay for itself in energy saved in about one year. More expensive, multisetting timers are also available.
Timers for gas water heaters are not as useful or cost effective as those designed for electric water heaters. This is because the pilot light supplies some heat during the night, offsetting some of the energy savings achieved by using the timer.
Add ”heat traps” to the water heater, if not already installed. Heat traps, also called one-way valves, allow water to flow into the tank and prevent unwanted hot-water flow out of the tank. Heat traps may require professional installation, which could be expensive. But if it is installed at the same time as a new water heater, heat traps are much more cost effective. Most new water heaters have factory installed traps, saving you the time and expense of installing one yourself.
Insulate the first 6 feet of the hot and cold water pipes connected to the water heater.
Insulate your hot-water storage tank, but be careful not to cover the thermostat. For natural gas or oil heaters, also be careful not to cover the heater’s top, bottom, or burner compartment. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations; when in doubt, get professional help.
Reduce the amount of hot water used by installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.
Older showerheads deliver four to five gallons of water per minute. A new, two-and-a-half-gallon-per-minute showerhead will reduce your water consumption by one-third to one-half. A typical bathtub holds about 60 gallons. A top-quality, low-flow showerhead will cost $10 to $20 and pay for itself in energy saved within four months.
For bathroom faucets, aerators that deliver 0.5 to 1 gallon of water per minute may be sufficient. Kitchen faucets may require a higher flow rate of 2 to 4 gallons per minute if you regularly fill the sink for washing dishes. On the other hand, if you tend to let the water run when washing dishes, the lower flow rate of 0.5 to 1 gallon per minute may be more appropriate. Some aerators come with shut-off valves that allow you to stop the flow of water without affecting the temperature.
Lighting Tips
Browse Tips
No Cost
Disconnect or remove lamps in multiple lamp fixtures. Use task lighting where needed. Use up to 50% less in lighting energy.
Make sure you are getting the best possible light by cleaning fixtures and replacing any yellowed or hazy lenses and diffusers twice a year.
Open blinds and shades. Turn off lights in unoccupied areas or in spaces with sufficient natural lighting.
Turn off the lights when not needed. It is a myth that leaving them on uses less energy than turning them off. Turn off signage and other lights not necessary for security and safety.
Low Cost
Buy fixtures that have a dimmer, which allow you to manually adjust the intensity of light in a room. Because most lights use less electricity at lower settings, you do not need to pay for more light than you need. Dimmers can be used with incandescent lights, including low-voltage systems, but only with new-screw-based dimmable fluorescent bulbs. Other fluorescent lights must have their own dimmable ballasts.
Rooms that have several kinds of lights — i.e. overhead and counter lights in a kitchen — should have separate switches for the various types. A three-level switch on table and floor lamps is an easy way to use one fixture for several lighting needs.
Use task lighting; instead of brightly lighting an entire room, focus the light where you need it. For example, use fluorescent under-cabinet lighting for kitchen sinks and countertops.
Good Investment
Before going to buy compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), write down the light output of the standard A-shaped incandescent bulbs you want to replace. Then check the lumens rating on the CFL package and buy lamps that provide approximately the same amount of light. For example, most 60-watt incandescents provide around 800 lumens, so look for ENERGY STAR CFLs that provide 800 lumens or more.
Consider using 4-Watt mini-fluorescent or electro-luminescent night-lights. Both are much more efficient lights than regular low-wattage night-lights. The luminescent lights are cool to the touch.
If you have torchiere fixtures with halogen lamps, replace them with ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent torchieres. Halogen lamps generate excessive heat that can create fire hazards. Compact fluorescents are cooler, use 60% to 80% less energy.
Install ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) in the fixtures you use most frequently. CFLs are most efficient when they operate for two or more hours at a time. CFLs use at least 66% less energy and last 10 times longer than incandescent lights. Replacing four of the most often used incandescent light bulbs with CFLs can save you $35 annually.
Use ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) in the fixtures that are hard to reach such as ceiling fans, other ceiling fixtures and enclosed outdoor fixtures. Because CFLs last longer, you enjoy the convenience of buying and changing bulbs less frequently.
Refrigerator Tips
No Cost
Adjust the refrigerator temperature settings. Optimum refrigerator range is 37 to 40°F and freezer range is 0 to 5°F. If the temperature control system does not specify degrees, check the manual for corresponding settings.
Keep the refrigerator full. A full refrigerator retains cold better than an empty one. If the refrigerator is nearly empty, store water-filled containers inside. The mass of cold items will enable the refrigerator to recover more quickly after the door has been opened. On the other hand, don’t overfill it, since that will interfere with the circulation of cold air inside.
Keep your refrigerator away from heat sources, such as an oven, a dishwasher and direct sunlight from a window. A 10°F increase in surrounding temperature can result in 20% higher energy consumption.
Minimize door openings as much as possible. Every time the refrigerator door is opened, cooled air escapes. The unit must then work harder to replace the air. Try to keep the door open no longer than necessary. Be sure to close the door completely.
Good Investment
Choose top-freezer models instead of side-by-side refrigerators, which use approximately 10 to 25% more energy.
Refrigerators with anti-sweat heaters (which prevent condensation) consume 5 to 10% more energy. Look for models with an ”energy saver” switch that lets you turn down — or off — the heaters.
Select a refrigerator that is the right size for the household’s needs. Larger models use more energy, as do refrigerators that are under-utilized or overly full.
Cooling Tips
No Cost
Check the settings on the room air conditioner. Make sure the ”fresh air” vent on the air conditioner is closed so you are not cooling outside air.
Close drapes, blinds and shades to keep sun’s rays out of the home during the warmer months, particularly for south-facing windows.
Move the room air conditioner. If possible, put the air conditioner in a north-facing or shaded window; direct sunlight reduces efficiency. Remove and store the air conditioner during the winter rather than keeping it in the window.
On hot days, avoid using the oven; cook on the stove, use a microwave oven, or grill outside.
Open windows at night. If you live in a climate where it cools off at night, turn off your cooling system and open your windows while sleeping. When you wake in the morning, shut the windows and blinds to capture the cool air.
Turn off fans when you leave the room. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect.
When you shower or take a bath, use the bathroom fan to remove the heat and humidity from your home. Your laundry room might also benefit from spot ventilation. Make sure bathroom and kitchen fans are vented to the outside (not just to the attic).
Low Cost
Remove and clean room air conditioner filters monthly. Dirty filters reduce the efficiency of the air conditioner.
Seal any holes with caulk or spray foam where TV/cable wires, pipes, bathroom plumbing, ductwork, or vents enter or exit your home.
Use ceiling fans or other circulating fans, (such as table and floor fans) to improve your comfort level and reduce air conditioning costs.
Good Investment
Caulk and weather-strip around windows and door frames that leak air. If replacing windows, choose ENERGY STAR qualified models designed for your area, and save $20–$95 each year in energy costs.
Consider installing a whole house fan. An attic whole house fan draws cooler air into the home and forces hot air out through attic vents. Use it when the air is cool outside, such as in the early morning. Whole house fans typically use about one-third of the electricity of a central air conditioner.
Consider installing a whole-house evaporative cooler if you live in a dry climate. An evaporative cooler uses as much as 75% less electricity as an air conditioner, saving approximately $150 a year. For hotter desert climates, the savings can be much more.
Consider planting trees and shrubs in strategic locations to help reduce the temperature and airflow in your house. Deciduous trees planted on the west and south sides of your home help to keep the house shaded during the season’s peak heating times.
If your old central air conditioner is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR model, which uses 20% less energy than a standard new model. Look for a SEER rating of at least 12.
If your room air conditioner unit is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR room air conditioner, which uses at least 10% less energy than a standard new model. Select the unit with the highest Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) for greater savings. Ask a trained salesperson for help choosing the size that’s right for your needs.
Install a door sweep on the door to your garage to seal the gap between the bottom of your door and the threshold. This prevents warm air from coming in and cool air from escaping your home.
Install an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat away from natural cool and hot spots. An ENERGY STAR thermostat can save as much as $115 per year, provide more flexibility than standard models and perform one or more of the following functions: Save and repeat multiple daily settings, which you can change when needed without affecting the rest of the daily or weekly program; store four or more temperature settings a day; and adjust heating or air conditioning turn-on times as the outside temperature changes.
Install awnings on south- and west-facing windows. Apply sun-control or other reflective films on south-facing windows to reduce solar gain.
Look for a room air conditioner with a filter that slides out easily for regular cleaning. Clean filters help keep the unit in good working condition.
When buying an air conditioner, enlist the services of a qualified technician to ensure your unit is properly sized and installed for your home/building. A unit that is too large will not only cost you more up front, but will actually work less efficiently, costing you more to operate over its lifetime.
Heating Tips
No Cost
Close drapes, blinds and shades to help retain heat at night or during unoccupied periods. Keep them open during the day to let light in, particularly for south-facing windows.
If you have an air conditioner, remove and store it during the winter rather than keeping it in the window.
In the winter, reverse your ceiling fan motor so that the blades push air up toward the ceiling, where hot air normally rises. The fan will drive the warm air back down around the edges of the room, which can result in more even heating. Better heat circulation will help combat the problem of sweating windows that some homes experience in the wintertime because of condensation on the glass.
Keep the fireplace damper closed when the fireplace is not in use. Closing the damper prevents up to 8% of furnace-heated air from going up the chimney. If the fireplace is never used, the damper should be sealed with weather-stripping and the chimney stuffed with fiberglass insulation. Remove this material from the chimney before a fire is lit in the fireplace.
Set the temperature lower in the winter when your home is unoccupied. Use a programmable thermostat to automatically lower and raise the temperature according to your settings.
Set the thermostat as low as comfortably possible in the winter. The less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall heating bill will be.
Low Cost
Clean furnace filters monthly. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use. Keep the furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted to save up to 5% of heating costs.
During the winter months use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frame. Hardware and home improvement stores sell products specifically for this. Remember, the plastic must be sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.
During the winter months, replace your screens with storm windows to provide an extra barrier to the cold outside air. This can reduce heat loss through the windows by 25% to 50%.
If your home has radiators, place heat-resistant reflectors between radiators and walls. This can even be done by covering a piece of cardboard with tinfoil. Be sure that the reflector does not touch the unit itself. In the winter, this will help heat the room instead of the wall.
Install an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat away from natural cool and hot spots. An ENERGY STAR thermostat can save as much as $115 per year, provide more flexibility than standard models and perform one or more of the following functions: Save and repeat multiple daily settings, which you can change when needed without affecting the rest of the daily or weekly program; store four or more temperature settings a day; and adjust heating or air conditioning turn-on times as the outside temperature changes.
Seal any holes with caulk or spray foam where TV/cable wires, pipes, bathroom plumbing, ductwork, or vents enter or exit your home.
Good Investment
Caulk and weather-strip around windows and door frames that leak air. If replacing windows, choose ENERGY STAR qualified models designed for your area, and save $20–$95 each year in energy costs.
Fireplace inserts or wood stoves are available to fit into an existing fireplace. These inserts are equipped with glass or metal doors, outside combustion air vents, and heat circulation blowers. Fireplace inserts dramatically improve fireplace efficiency by blowing heat from the fire into the room and limiting the amount of heat and conditioned air lost up the chimney. Fireplace inserts are recommended for fireplaces that are regularly used. Before installing a fireplace insert, be sure to check the manufacturer’s safety specifications and make sure the fireplace insert is compatible with the existing chimney or vent flue.
If you use electricity to heat your home, consider installing an energy-efficient heat pump system. Heat pumps are the most efficient form of electric heating in moderate climates, providing up to three times more heating than the equivalent amount of electrical energy it consumes. A heat pump cools your home by collecting the heat inside your house and effectively pumping it outside. A heat pump can trim the amount of electricity you use for heating as much as 30 to 40%.
If your furnace is more than 15 years old, replace it with an ENERGY STAR qualified furnace, which is 15% more efficient than a conventional furnace. If you have a boiler, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR qualified boiler that is 10% more efficient than a new, standard model.
If your heat pump is more than 10 years old, replace it with an ENERGY STAR heat pump, which uses at least 20% less energy than a standard new model.
In cold climates, install tight fitting window shades and insulating curtains.
Install a door sweep on the door to your garage to seal the gap between the bottom of your door and the threshold. This prevents cold air from coming in and warm air from escaping your home.
Install glass doors on fireplaces, which act as a barrier against warmed air returning up the chimney. Some models of glass doors are equipped with small vents along the bottom or sides to allow a controlled amount of combustion airflow into the fireplace. The glass allows the heat from the fire to radiate into the room. Because glass doors reduce the amount of conditioned air that is drawn up the chimney, they also reduce infiltration of outside air into the home.
Laundry Tips
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Clean the lint from the clothes dryer after every load. The efficiency of the dryer goes down when lint collects over the dryer filter. Run full loads and use the moisture-sensing setting. Save 5% on your electric bill.
Dry similar types of fabrics together. For example, put towels together in one load. A lower dryer temperature may be used for certain clothes. See the owner’s manual for more information.
Keep the clothes dryer’s outside exhaust clean. A clogged exhaust lengthens drying time and increases energy use.
Line-dry clothes whenever possible. This can save up to 5% of your energy costs.
Presoak or use the soak cycle when washing heavily soiled garments. You will avoid two washings and save energy.
Good Investment
Buy an ENERGY STAR clothes washer, which uses 50% less energy and 40% less water per load than a conventional machine. Save as much as $113 annually.
Choose a clothes washer with a ”mini-basket.” A mini-basket is a small tub that fits over the agitator, allowing you to wash very small loads.
Choose the right size clothes washer for your needs. ENERGY STAR clothes washers are available in many sizes, ranging in capacity from 1.6 to 3.8 cubic feet.
Install high-efficiency commercial washers, including but not limited to front-loading machines, which can cut energy costs up to 50% and use about 30% less water (18 to 25 gallons of water per load, compared to 40 gallons used by a standard machine). Energy-efficient and front-loading commercial clothes washers also last five to 10 years longer than standard, top-loading machines.
Select a gas clothes dryer if possible. Gas dryers cost on average 15 to 20 cents per load to operate, while electric dryers cost on average 30 to 40 cents per load.
When shopping for energy-efficient appliances, don’t be misled by labels such as ”Energy Miser,” ”Energy Saver” and ”Fuel Saver.” The best way to determine energy efficiency of appliances is to compare information provided by EnergyGuide labels.
Dishwasher Tips
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Avoid using the ”rinse hold” setting on your dishwasher. ”Rinse hold” uses three to seven gallons of hot water for each use, and heating water takes extra energy. Never use ”rinse hold” for just a few dirty dishes.
Check and clean the dishwasher drain as necessary. Solid pieces of food waste can build up over the dishwasher drain and cause the dishwasher to work harder.
If your dishwasher has an air-dry setting, use it instead of the heat-dry setting. You will cut the dishwasher’s energy use 15 to 50%. If there is no air-dry setting, turn the dishwasher off after its final rinse and open the door. The dishes will dry without using extra electricity.
Load dishes in their proper locations to ensure maximum cleaning efficiency. See the dishwasher owner’s manual for instructions on proper loading.
Reduce hot water temperature. Set the water heater to the ”normal” setting or 120°F, unless the owner’s manual for the dishwasher requires a higher setting. Savings are 7 to 11% of water heating costs.
Run the dishwasher only when fully loaded. If necessary, scrape dirty dishes (with cold rather than hot water) and store them in the dishwasher until you have a full load.
Run your dishwasher after 7 p.m. Wash only full loads and use the shortest possible cycle.
Scrape don’t rinse dishes before loading the dishwasher. Pre-rinsing can use up to 20 gallons of water.
Good Investment
Buy an ENERGY STAR dishwasher with energy-saving settings, such as partial load setting (which uses less hot water) and energy-efficient drying cycles.
Choose a dishwasher that gives you the option of air-drying the dishes, instead of heat-drying, which consumes more energy.
Switching from hand washing to an ENERGY STAR dishwasher could potentially result in substantial water and energy savings. If you leave the water running when washing dishes by hand, you can use up to 24 gallons of water. ENERGY STAR dishwasher uses roughly 7 gallons of water. You can also save energy by reducing the need to heat water.
Cooking Tips
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Cook during temperate hours. Avoid preparing meals that require you to use the range or oven extensively on hot days. This helps to reduce the load on your air conditioner and makes you feel more comfortable in your home.
Cook with a full oven. Prepare dishes together when possible. If you have three dishes to be cooked in the oven at slightly different temperatures (325°F, 350°F and 375°F, for example), pick the average temperature (350°F in this case) to cook all three.
Don’t peek. Every time you open the oven door to look at the food, the oven temperature is lowered by 25°F to 75°F. Use a timer if the oven door does not have a window.
Keep oven and burners clean and kitchen ventilated. A clean oven uses energy more efficiently.
Minimize or eliminate preheating. Don’t preheat the oven if the food requires more than one hour of cooking time.
Use cooking time wisely. Turn off the electric range two to three minutes before the task is done and allow the residual heat to finish the job.
Use leftover heat as a food warmer. Turn off oven immediately when finished cooking. Ovens retain heat for up to 30 minutes after they have been turned off.
Use microwave ovens to save energy. Microwave ovens are about 33% more efficient than convection ovens and 66% more efficient than conventional ovens.
Use the broiler when possible. The broiler uses less energy, and preheating is not required.
Use the right sized pot on stove burners. A 6” pot on an 8” burner wastes over 40% of the burner’s heat. Also, cover pots and pans to keep heat in.
Low Cost
Double your recipe — and freeze half for later. Reheating uses less energy.
Good Investment
Choose a stove range with burners that fit a variety of pan sizes. Energy is wasted if you use a small pan on a large burner.
Electric ranges containing ceramic, halogen or induction range elements are more efficient than the type containing electric coils. They are also easier to clean and allow for greater temperature control.
Select a self-cleaning oven. It’s better insulated than other models, so they are more energy-efficient when used appropriately.
Select ovens with windows. This allows you to check food without opening the door. Look for self-cleaning features (ensures additional insulation) and electronic or programmable models with timers (for a more precise use of cooking energy).
Use convection units in combination with conventional ovens. This combination cooks faster at lower temperatures.
Office Equipment Tips
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Configure your computer to sleep mode. For ideal savings, set your power management to turn off your monitor after 10 minutes and your hard disks after 20 minutes.
Do not leave equipment in sleep mode overnight because it will continue to draw a small amount of power. Turn off all equipment every night — especially monitors and printers. Monitors usually consume twice the electricity as CPUs.
Turn off your screen savers. There is a common misconception that screen savers reduce energy use by monitors; they do not. Today’s screen savers actually waste power by keeping your computer active.
Unplug chargers and other office electronics or plug them into a power strip which can be turned off with the flick of a switch. Laptop and other plug-in chargers continue to draw power even when they are not in use.
Good Investment
Look for energy-saving ENERGY STAR labeled home electronics, including computers. An ENERGY STAR labeled computer uses 70% less electricity than computers without this designation.
Save energy and space with an ENERGY STAR qualified multi-function device that combines several capabilities (print, fax, copy, scan). Make sure power management features are enabled for additional savings.
Use laptop computers. Laptops use up to 90% less energy than a desktop computer.
Water Heater Tips
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Like dishwashers, up to 90% of the cost of operating washing machines is associated with the energy needed to heat the water. Reduce the amount of hot water used by washing clothes in cold water, instead of hot or warm water. You can save up to 10% on water heating costs by washing and rinsing your clothes in cold water. Select a laundry detergent formulated to clean effectively in cold water. Washing only full loads will also reduce hot-water consumption.
Reduce the amount of hot water used by turning the hot-water faucet off while shaving or brushing your teeth.
Use off-peak power to heat water. For those who have an electric water heater, this usage contributes to the electric utility company’s ”peak load,” or the largest amount of power demand that they have to meet on a daily basis.
Some utilities are required to offer their customers ”time of use” rates that vary according to the demand on their system. Lower rates may be charged at ”off-peak” times and higher rates at ”on-peak” times.
Check with your local electric utility to find out if it offers time-of-use rates for residential customers. Some utilities even offer incentives for customers who allow their utility to install control devices that shut off electric water heaters during peak demand periods.
When you plan to be away from home for three or more days, turn the water heater thermostat down to the lowest setting, or turn the heater off completely. Be sure you know how to relight the pilot light on the gas heater before you turn it off.
Low Cost
For electric water heaters, install a timer that can automatically turn the heater off at night and on in the morning. A simple timer can pay for itself in energy saved in about one year. More expensive, multisetting timers are also available.
Timers for gas water heaters are not as useful or cost effective as those designed for electric water heaters. This is because the pilot light supplies some heat during the night, offsetting some of the energy savings achieved by using the timer.
Add ”heat traps” to the water heater, if not already installed. Heat traps, also called one-way valves, allow water to flow into the tank and prevent unwanted hot-water flow out of the tank. Heat traps may require professional installation, which could be expensive. But if it is installed at the same time as a new water heater, heat traps are much more cost effective. Most new water heaters have factory installed traps, saving you the time and expense of installing one yourself.
Insulate the first 6 feet of the hot and cold water pipes connected to the water heater.
Insulate your hot-water storage tank, but be careful not to cover the thermostat. For natural gas or oil heaters, also be careful not to cover the heater’s top, bottom, or burner compartment. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations; when in doubt, get professional help.
Reduce the amount of hot water used by installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.
Older showerheads deliver four to five gallons of water per minute. A new, two-and-a-half-gallon-per-minute showerhead will reduce your water consumption by one-third to one-half. A typical bathtub holds about 60 gallons. A top-quality, low-flow showerhead will cost $10 to $20 and pay for itself in energy saved within four months.
For bathroom faucets, aerators that deliver 0.5 to 1 gallon of water per minute may be sufficient. Kitchen faucets may require a higher flow rate of 2 to 4 gallons per minute if you regularly fill the sink for washing dishes. On the other hand, if you tend to let the water run when washing dishes, the lower flow rate of 0.5 to 1 gallon per minute may be more appropriate. Some aerators come with shut-off valves that allow you to stop the flow of water without affecting the temperature.
Compiled by: Yj Draiman
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