Summer Energy Saving Tips
Increase your energy efficiency this summer by following these energy saving tips.
Home Renovation Energy Tips
Saving energy saves you money, it's good for the environment and it's easy to do! Here are some ideas on energy-saving home renovations to help you get started.
Ceiling Insulation
Weatherstripping Doors and Windows
Caulking
Water Heater Insulation Blankets
Programmable Thermostats
Room Air Conditioners
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Exterior Lighting
Photoelectric Switches
Electronic Timers for Lamps and Appliances
Ceiling Insulation
- Adding new insulation can bring dramatic savings, especially in homes built before 1970.
- Simply upgrading the insulation in your attic to R-30 or R-38 can save as much as 25% on cooling and heating costs.
- It's also a good idea to add insulation to your floors and walls, but this can be difficult and it is best to consult a professional.
- Fiberglass insulation is available in rolls that can be cut to size and laid in position.
- Insulation can also be blown into your ceiling by a contractor with special equipment.
- Check with your local hardware store for additional information on R values and specific instructions for safe installation.
Weatherstripping Doors and Windows
Ever move your hands around your doors and windows in the winter and feel a cold draft? It means you're losing heat - and wasting money. Stop those leaks!
- It's easy to install most weatherstripping around windows and around doors that lead outside or to unheated areas of your home.
- Weatherstripping comes in many sizes and shapes, so check with your local hardware store to find right material for your needs.
Caulking
Anywhere different building materials meet or wires enter your home, there are gaps which collectively contribute to a significant loss of heat or cooling.
- Check for gaps inside and out when you paint or at least every 5 or 6 years.
- Caulking is easy and one of the most cost-effective energy efficiency improvements you can make.
Water Heater Insulation Blankets
Water heaters with insufficient insulation can lose heat, which means they have to work harder to keep the water hot.
To find out if your electric water heater might need some additional insulation, place your hand on the water heater above the middle of the tank. If it feels hot or warm, you're wasting energy.
An insulated blanket will probably pay for itself in lower energy costs within a year. Caution : Never put an insulation blanket on a gas water heater if it is equipped with an automatic vent damper or if it is prohibited by the manufacturer. See your water heater owner's manual or call the manufacturer for specific information.
Programmable Thermostats
Keeping your home at a constant temperature all the time is a real energy waster.
The evenings when you're sleeping and periods of each day when you're away from home represent energy saving opportunities.
Plus, our temperature requirements are different in the summer and winter.
A programmable thermostat automatically controls the amount of heating or cooling energy you use during different times of the day throughout the year. More when you're home and active; less when you're away or sleeping.
Room Air Conditioners
When was the last time you cleaned your air conditioner's filter?
- Dirty, clogged filters force the air conditioner to work harder and run longer.
- Check the filter at least once a month, especially during the summer.
- Many filters can be removed, washed, dried and reinstalled.
- If you have questions about your particular unit, consult your local hardware store, check your air conditioner owner's manual, or contact the manufacturer.
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
It used to be that energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs were only available for long ceiling or wall fixtures. But now you can replace many regular incandescent bulbs around the house with simple screw-in fluorescent “compacts.”
The compacts are more expensive to buy than ordinary incandescent bulbs, but they last up to 10 times longer and use 75% less electricity.
Think about the lights in your home that you have on most often and see if there's a suitable fluorescent alternative.
Exterior Lighting
Exterior lighting can greatly enhance the appearance and security of your home. When security is the primary consideration, installing a motion detector on certain fixtures can help you save energy. With this device, the light stays off except when the detector senses motion, such as when you and your family come home at night.
Photoelectric Switches
With their photoelectric cells, these switches will turn your outdoor lights on at dusk and off at daybreak automatically, even when you're not at home. It's a great convenience and an energy saver. You never have to worry about accidentally leaving a light on all day.
Electronic Timers for Lamps and Appliances
Electric timers improve home security and can be a great energy saver, too. They can be programmed to turn lights and small appliances on and off at designated times. Most timers are easy to install and are available for window air conditioning units. Now there's no need to keep your window air conditioner running while you're away from home. Program the timer to start your air conditioner just before you plan to return, and your home will be cool and comfortable when you arrive.