Lighting typically accounts for roughly 10 percent of your energy use. A single CFL bulb could save you about $30 in energy costs over the course of its life compared to an incandescent bulb. They cost much more but they last much longer,[1] X Research source
Don’t set your water heater temperature below 120 F (49 C). This can allow dangerous pathogens to live in your water tank. Cover the tank with an insulating blanket.
Install weather stripping on doors, windows, and attic or crawl space access holes. Seal up mail slots that don’t get used. Seal openings and cracks in the roof, walls, around electrical outlets, and around pipes and wires with expanding caulk or foam. Plug large holes, such as by using a foam product. Install transparent plastic sheeting on drafty windows. Buy thermal curtains. These touch the floor and are wrap around to touch the walls, to trap cold air behind them. Normal curtains allow the cold air to escape by convection airflow.
As a do-it-yourselfer, you can add 3 1⁄2 in (8. 9 cm) or 5 1⁄2 in (14 cm) batt insulation to existing fiberglass batt insulation, but you must remove the kraft paper from the existing insulation or water vapor will be trapped in your walls or roof. [6] X Expert Source Walter BrantHandyman Expert Interview. 2 September 2020. If your walls are un-insulated you can hire an insulation contractor to blow in cellulose insulation. [7] X Expert Source Walter BrantHandyman Expert Interview. 2 September 2020.
Buy washers and dryers with many energy-saving features. Front-loading washing machines are the most energy-efficient. Refrigerators with the freezer on top or the bottom are more energy-efficient than side-by-side refrigerator-freezers[9] X Research source Stoves with ceramic induction cooktops are more energy-efficient than traditional range cooktops Tankless on-demand water heaters are much more energy-efficient than tank-style water heaters Portable dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity. If you need to run yours often, try fixing problems that are making your home damp. For example, if your basement walls are bare block, paint them with waterproofing paint. Check that your gutters and downspouts work correctly, and repair them if necessary. [10] X Expert Source Walter BrantHandyman Expert Interview. 2 September 2020.
If you have storm windows, caulk around their frames. Wind draws air out through storm windows and primary windows if the storm windows are not air-tight. In many places, there are tax credits available for homeowners who upgrade to energy-efficient windows, so look into government programs where you live.
Use a toaster to make toast Use a toaster oven to cook, roast or bake small portions Use a steamer or rice cooker to steam rice and vegetables Use a frying pan to sauté or stir fry instead of baking or roasting Use a microwave to bake, steam, and boil all sorts of foods
When you go away for overnight or longer, unplug all appliances and electronics, because many of them use energy even when they’re not on. To make your job easier, use power strips for appliances that are often used together, such as the TV, stereo, and DVD player. [14] X Research source Unplug phone chargers and other devices when you’re not using them too, because they draw power as long as they’re plugged in. [15] X Research source Cut down on the Phantom Loads. Some appliances and electronic devices continue to consume energy even when they are not in use. This is commonly referred to as the Phantom Load. It is usually caused when electronics are still plugged in or are not turned off. You can ensure that you stop wasting energy and your money by unplugging your electronics or by turning off the power strip where the devices are plugged in.
Also, leave the shades and curtains in the bedrooms completely open while you are gone. The bedrooms will be heated by UV radiation, like greenhouses. .
Taking shorter showers Turning off taps when you’re lathering up Filling the sink with water to wash dishes rather than letting it run Saving kitchen water for the garden Reusing cooking water Flushing less Investing in water-smart fixtures and faucets Capturing condensation from your air conditioning unit and using it to water plants.
To save even more water with the washing machine, always choose the appropriate load size so the machine will adjust the water level. With the dishwasher, you can also save energy by turning off the drying cycle, and letting dishes drip and air dry instead. [16] X Research source
Reserve hot water cycles for extremely soiled loads of laundry, but set the rinse cycle so it uses cold water.
Avoid drying clothes inside, as this can create moisture and mold in the house.
In winter, the leaves will fall off the trees and allow warming sunlight into your home. Instead of planting deciduous trees, you can also install thick curtains that will block the sun, sun screens, or a UV-protective film on the windows to tint them. [20] X Research source
Rechargeable batteries are also cheaper in the long run, because you don’t have to keep buying them. [21] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Department of Energy Official site for the U. S. Department of Energy, which provides resources related to energy safety, conservation, and efficiency Go to source Rechargeable batteries are also better for the environment, because they don’t go to the landfill after each use.
Depending on your municipality, items you may be able to recycle include glass, aluminum cans, bottles, plastic, cardboard, paper, and more. Buying products with minimal packaging is also a good way to save energy, because no resources or energy is wasted manufacturing or recycling the packaging. [22] X Research source
Some furnace filters aren’t washable, and they’ll have to be replaced every three months or so.
Set the thermostat so that the furnace or air conditioner comes on less during the day when nobody is home, and at night when everybody is sleeping. Use the thermostat to turn down the heat or air conditioning when you’re away on vacation, but set it to come back on just before you arrive home. There are also some thermostats that you can operate remotely, such as by using a computer or smartphone.
Sealing these leaks could save you up to 20 percent on your energy bills. [25] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Department of Energy Official site for the U. S. Department of Energy, which provides resources related to energy safety, conservation, and efficiency Go to source
In winter, use sweaters, thick socks, slippers, and blankets to keep warm at home.
For cross ventilation, use them in windows on opposite sides of the floor, with one fan set to blow air in and one to blow air out. [27] X Expert Source Walter BrantHandyman Expert Interview. 2 September 2020. A small space heater may even be sufficient in winter if you live in the southern part of the US.
