An Energy Efficiency Checklist
It’s a fact of life; the cost of residential energy, both electricity and natural gas, is going up. And don’t look for that trend to reverse anytime soon. OPEC oil production has the world by the throat and Hugo Chavez of Venezuela is nobody’s friend – well, except for perhaps Fidel Castro. That’s why it’s so important to have an energy efficiency checklist. Everybody should take measures to cut energy usage.
Free Ways to Save Energy and Money
- The no-brainer – it’s what mom and dad drilled into our heads: if it’s not being used, turn it off.
- Save hot water – take shorter showers and wash clothes in cold water. Hot water averages 15% on a home’s energy bill.
- Hang-dry clothes, indoors or out – your dryer likely uses more energy than any other appliance except the refrigerator!
- Only heat and cool the rooms that are in use – that guestless guest room has a vent control, doesn’t it?
- Troubleshoot and calibrate the thermostat – it’s free and easy!
Cheap Ways to Save Energy and Money
- Change the air conditioner/heater filter every month.
- Replace old ductwork – nobody needs a serviceman to do this.
- Change the incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent, low voltage bulbs, or LED light bulbs.
- Always look for the Energy Star label on any new appliance bought.
- Buy and install a water heater insulation wrap – they’re cheap and recoup the cash outlay in just a few months.
- Install low-flow showerheads – it’s surprising the difference it makes in the long haul.
- Use a programmable thermostat – one less thing to keep up with.
- Change the door and window weather stripping.
- Install ceiling fans – and make the blades rotate one way in the summer and the opposite in the winter.
Bigger Ticket Ways to Save Energy and Money
- Plant shade trees where the sun strikes the home – the leaves will block the sun’s heat in the summer and when they fall in the fall, the sunlight flows through to warm the home.
- Add insulation to the attic and crawlspaces – at least R-49 is recommended.
- Spray radiant barrier paint on the underside of the roof decking – it pays for itself quickly; rent a spray rig if needed.
- Install Energy Star-rated windows or storm windows - in the winter, heat loss is reduced by up to 50%.
- Install a tankless water heater – it’s an even better way to save energy. Why heat water while the family sleeps?
- Installing a new central air conditioner? Get one with a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) of 13 or higher. Once again, look for an Energy Star label for a window unit.
- If the home is in an arid environment, install an evaporative cooler instead of an A/C. It will add humidity to the home, not remove it like an A/C will.
Don’t Make all the Energy Efficiency Changes at Once
It’s tempting, but don’t. Think seasonally. Attic work should be done in cooler weather if possible. Look into what will reap tax credits and finish those near the end of the tax year. Plant trees on Arbor Day.
And always turn off the lights!
Kelly Smith - Kelly has over 30 years experience as a journeyman carpenter and 20 as a freelance writer and photographer.
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