Tips on saving money and energy at home

Contributed by:
kevin
Right in your own home, you have the power to save money and energy. Saving energy reduces our nation’s overall demand for resources needed to make energy, and increasing your energy efficiency is like adding another clean energy source to our electric power grid.
1. Energy Saver
Tips on Saving Money & Energy at Home
energysaver.gov
2.
3. Save Money Lighting
3 and Energy Today
Get started with things you can
23 Choose today’s energy-efficient
lighting for some of the easiest
do now, and use the whole-house and cheapest ways to reduce
approach to ensure that your your electric bill.
investments are wisely made to
save you money and energy. Appliances
Your Home’s Energy Use 27 Use efficient appliances through-
out your home, and get greater
4 Find out how your home uses energy,
and where it’s losing the most energy
performance with lower energy bills.
so you can develop a plan to save in Home Office
the short and long term.
33 and Electronics
Find out how much energy your
Air Leaks and Insulation electronics use, reduce their out-
7 Seal air leaks and insulate your home
properly so your energy dollars don’t
put when you’re not using them,
and choose efficient electronics
seep through the cracks. to save money.
Heating and Cooling Renewable Energy
12 Use efficient systems to heat and
cool your home, and save money
35 Use renewable energy at home
such as solar and wind to save
and increase comfort by properly energy dollars while reducing
maintaining and upgrading environmental impact.
equipment.
Transportation
Water Heating
37 Choose efficient transportation
19 Use the right water heater for
your home, insulate it and lower
options and drive more efficiently
to save at the gas pump.
its temperature, and use less water
to avoid paying too much. References
Windows 39 Use our reference list to learn
more about energy efficiency
21 Enjoy light and views while
saving money by installing energy-
and renewable energy.
efficient windows, and use strategies
to keep your current windows
from losing energy.
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4. Energy Saver Tips for Renters
and Property Owners
If you rent, or if you own a
rental unit, you can use many of
the tips throughout this guide
to save money and energy!
Renters
You can reduce your utility bills
by following the tips in the chapters
titled Lighting, Heating and Cooling,
Appliances, Home Office and
Home Electronics, Windows, and
Transportation. Encourage your
landlord to follow these tips as well.
He or she will save energy and
Right in your own home, you have money, improving your comfort and
the power to save money and energy. lowering your utility bills even more.
Saving energy reduces our nation’s
Property Owners
overall demand for resources needed
Nearly all of the information in
to make energy, and increasing this guide also applies to rental units.
your energy efficiency is like adding The chapter on Your Home’s Energy
another clean energy source to our Use focuses on air leaks, insulation,
heating and cooling, roofing, land-
electric power grid.
scaping, water heating, windows,
This guide shows you how easy it is appliances, and renewable energy.
to cut your energy use at home and
also on the road. The easy, practical
Find even more information about
solutions for saving energy include
saving money and energy at home
tips you can use today—from the by visiting energysaver.gov.
roof and landscaping to appliances
To learn more about U.S. Department
and lights. They are good for your of Energy (DOE) programs in energy
wallet and for the environment—and efficiency and renewable energy,
actions that you take help reduce our visit the Office of Energy Efficiency
national needs to produce or import and Renewable Energy website at
more energy, thereby improving our eere.energy.gov.
energy security.
5. Save Money and Energy Today
A n energy-efficient home will keep
your family comfortable while
saving you money. Whether you take
Tips to Save Energy Today
Easy low-cost and no-cost
ways to save energy
simple steps or make larger investments
to make your home more efficient, you’ll ■■ Install a programmable thermostat
see lower energy bills. Over time, those to lower utility bills and manage your
savings will typically pay for the cost heating and cooling systems efficiently.
of improvements and put money back ■■ Air dry dishes instead of using your
in your pocket. Your home may also be dishwasher’s drying cycle.
more attractive to buyers when you sell.
■■ Turn things off when you are not in the
The 115 million residences in America room such as lights, TVs, entertainment
today collectively use an estimated 22.5% systems, and your computer and monitor.
of the country’s energy. Unfortunately, ■■ Plug home electronics, such as TVs and
a lot of energy is wasted through leaky DVD players, into power strips; turn the
windows or ducts, old appliances, or power strips off when the equipment
inefficient heating and cooling systems. is not in use—TVs and DVDs in standby
When we waste energy in our homes, we mode still use several watts of power.
are throwing away money that could be ■■ Lower the thermostat on your water
used for other things. The typical U.S. heater to 120°F.
family spends at least $2,200 a year on
■■ Take short showers instead of baths and
home utility bills. You can lower this
use low-flow showerheads for additional
amount by up to 25% through following
energy savings.
the Long Term Savings Tips in this guide.
■■ Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.
The key to these savings is to take a
whole-house approach—by viewing
■■ Air dry clothes.
your home as an energy system with ■■ Check to see that windows and doors
interdependent parts. For example, your are closed when heating or cooling
heating system is not just a furnace—it’s your home.
a heat-delivery system that starts at the ■■ Drive sensibly; aggressive driving such
furnace and delivers heat throughout your as speeding, and rapid acceleration and
home using a network of ducts. Even a braking, wastes fuel.
top-of-the-line, energy-efficient furnace ■■ Look for the ENERGY STAR® label on light
will waste a lot of fuel if the ducts, walls, bulbs, home appliances, electronics, and
attic, windows, and doors are leaky or other products. ENERGY STAR products
poorly insulated. Taking a whole-house meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the
approach to saving energy ensures that U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and
dollars you invest to save energy are the U.S. Department of Energy.
spent wisely. ■■ Visit energysaver.gov for more
energy-saving ideas.
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6. Your Home’s Energy Use
A home energy assessment
(sometimes referred to as an
energy audit) will show what parts of
To determine the insulation R-values
in different parts of your home,
visit the Weatherization section of
your house use the most energy and energysaver.gov.
suggest the best ways to cut energy • Check for air leaks around your
costs. You can conduct a simple home walls, ceilings, windows, doors,
energy assessment by doing it yourself lighting and plumbing fixtures,
(DIY) or, for a more detailed assessment, switches, and electrical outlets.
contact your local utility or an energy • Check for open fireplace dampers.
auditor. Also, you can learn more about • Make sure your appliances and
home energy audits and find free tools heating and cooling systems are
and calculators on energysaver.gov, properly maintained. Check your
the Residential Services Network at owner’s manuals for the recom-
resnet.us, or the Building Performance mended maintenance.
Institute at bpi.org. • Study your family’s lighting needs
and look for ways to use controls—
DIY Energy Assessment Tips like sensors, dimmers, or timers—
• Check the insulation in your attic, to reduce lighting use.
exterior and basement walls,
ceilings, floors, and crawl spaces.
How We Use Energy
in Our Homes
Heating accounts for
Refrigeration the biggest portion of
5% Space your utility bills. Source:
Heating U.S. Energy Information
Lighting 42% Administration, AEO2014 Early
5% Release Overview.
Cooling
6%
Water
Other Heating
24% 18%
7. Cool Hot Photo from Infraspection Institute, Inc.
Heat Loss from a House
A picture is worth…in this case, lost heating dollars. This thermal image—taken by a
professional energy auditor—shows warm air escaping through windows and cracks.
The red shows where the most warm air is escaping.
Your Whole-House Plan Planning smart purchases and home
After you know where your home is improvements will maximize your energy
losing energy, make a plan by asking efficiency and save you the most money.
yourself a few questions: A more advanced alternative to
• How much money do you spend performing a DIY energy assessment
on energy? is to get advice from your state energy
• Where are your greatest energy office, utility, or an independent energy
losses? auditor (see References for professional
• How long will it take for an invest- organizations). A professional energy
ment in energy efficiency to pay auditor uses special test equipment to
for itself in energy cost savings? find air leaks, areas lacking insulation,
• Do the energy-saving measures and malfunctioning equipment. The
provide additional benefits that are auditor analyzes how well your home’s
important to you—for example, energy systems work together, and
increased comfort from installing compares the analysis to your utility
double-paned, efficient windows? bills. After gathering information about
• How long do you plan to own your home, the auditor will recommend
your current home? cost-effective energy improvements that
• Can you do the job yourself or enhance comfort and safety. Some will
do you need a contractor? also estimate how soon your investment
• What is your budget? in efficiency upgrades will pay off.
• How much time do you have
for maintenance and repairs?
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8. Smart Meters and Smart meters and home energy manage-
a Smarter Power Grid ment systems allow customers to
Millions of smart meters have been program how and when their home uses
installed across the country. Smart meters energy. Such programs might charge you
provide two-way communication between the actual cost of power at any one time,
you and your utility, helping your utility ranging from high prices during times
know about blackouts, for example. This of peak demand to low prices during
helps utilities to maintain more reliable off-peak hours. If you are able to shift
electrical service. your power use to off-peak times—such
as running your dishwasher late in the
Smart meters can be used with home evening—these programs can save you
energy management systems such as money while helping your utility.
Web-based tools that your utility provides
or devices that can be installed in your Time-based rates are very attractive to
home. Smart meters can display your owners of plug-in hybrids and electric
home energy use, help you find ways to vehicles since typically these vehicles are
save energy and money, and even allow recharged at night. See the Transportation
you to remotely adjust your thermostat or section for more information.
turn appliances off.
Time-Based Electricity Rates
To help reduce their peak power demands
and save money, many utilities are
introducing programs that encourage
their customers to use electricity during
off-peak hours. The programs pass on
the savings to you, the customer, through
rebates or reduced electricity rates.
9. Air Leaks and Insulation
I mproving your home’s insulation
and sealing air leaks are the fastest
and most cost-effective ways to reduce
hatches, and other places where air
may leak. If the smoke stream trav-
els horizontally, you have located
energy waste and make the most of your an air leak that may need caulking,
energy dollars. Be sure to seal air leaks sealing, or weatherstripping.
before you insulate, because insulating • Caulk and weatherstrip doors and
materials won’t block leaks. windows that leak air.
• Caulk and seal air leaks where
Sealing Air Leaks plumbing, ducting, or electrical
Air leaks can waste a lot of your energy wiring comes through walls, floors,
dollars. One of the quickest energy- and ceilings, and soffits over cabinets.
money-saving tasks you can do is caulk, • Install foam gaskets behind outlet
seal, and weather strip all seams, cracks, and switch plates on walls.
and openings to the outside. • Inspect dirty spots in your insulation
for air leaks and mold. Seal leaks
Tips for Sealing Air Leaks with low-expansion spray foam
• Test your home for air tightness. made for this purpose and install
On a windy day, carefully hold a lit house flashing if needed.
incense stick or a smoke pen next • Look for dirty spots on your ceiling
to your windows, doors, electrical paint and carpet, which may indicate
boxes, plumbing fixtures, electri- air leaks at interior wall/ceiling joints
cal outlets, ceiling fixtures, attic and wall/floor joists, and caulk them.
Sources of Air Leaks
in Your Home
Areas that leak air into
and out of your home
cost you a lot of money.
The areas listed in the
illustration are the most
common sources of air
leaks.
7
10. • Cover single-pane windows with are available in widths suited to standard
storm windows or replace them with spacing of wall studs and attic or floor
more efficient double-pane low- joists: 2 inch x 4 inch walls can hold R-13
emissivity windows. See the Windows or R-15 batts; 2 inch x 6 inch walls can use
section for more information. R-19 or R-21 products.
• Use foam sealant on larger gaps Loose-fill insulation is usually made
around windows, baseboards, and of fiberglass, rock wool, or cellulose in
other places where air may leak out. the form of loose fibers or fiber pellets.
• Cover your kitchen exhaust fan to It should be blown into spaces using
stop air leaks when not in use. special pneumatic equipment. The blown-
• Check your dryer vent to be sure in material conforms readily to odd-sized
it is not blocked. This will save building cavities and attics with wires,
energy and may prevent a fire. ducts, and pipes, making it well suited for
• Replace door bottoms and thresholds places where it is difficult to effectively
with ones that have pliable sealing install other types of insulation.
gaskets.
• Keep the fireplace flue damper Rigid foam insulation is typically more
tightly closed when not in use. expensive than rolls and batts or loose-
• Seal air leaks around fireplace fill insulation, but it is very effective
chimneys, furnaces, and gas-fired in exterior wall sheathing, interior
water heater vents with fire-resistant sheathing for basement walls, and special
materials such as sheet metal or applications such as attic hatches. Foam
sheetrock and furnace cement caulk. insulation R-values range from R-4 to
R-6.5 per inch of thickness, which is up
Fireplace flues are made from metal, and to 2 times greater than most other
over time repeated heating and cooling can insulating materials of the same thickness.
cause the metal to warp or break, creating a
channel for air loss. To seal your flue when Foam-in-place insulation can be blown
not in use, consider an inflatable chimney into walls, on attic surfaces, or under floors
balloon. Inflatable chimney balloons fit to insulate and reduce air leakage. You
beneath your fireplace flue when not in can use the small pressurized cans of foam-
use, are made from durable plastic, and can in-place insulation to reduce air leakage
be removed easily and reused hundreds of in holes and cracks, such as window and
times. If you forget to remove the balloon door frames, and electrical and plumbing
before making a fire, the balloon will penetrations.
automatically deflate within seconds of There are two types of foam-in-place
coming into contact with heat. insulation: closed-cell and open-cell. Both
are typically made with polyurethane.
Insulation With closed-cell foam, the high-density
Insulation is made from a variety of cells are closed and filled with a gas that
materials, and it usually comes in four helps the foam expand to fill the spaces
types: rolls and batts, loose-fill, rigid around it. Closed-cell foam is the most
foam, and foam-in-place. effective, with an insulation value of
Rolls and batts—or blankets—are around R-6.2 per inch of thickness.
flexible products made from mineral fibers,
such as fiberglass and rock wool. They
11. U.S. Department of Energy Recommended*
Total R-Values for New Wood-Framed Houses
All of Alaska is in Zone 7 except for
the following boroughs in Zone 8:
Bethel Northwest Arctic
Dellingham Southeast Fairbanks
Fairbanks N. Star Wade Hampton
Nome Yukon-Koyukuk How Much Insulation Does My Home Need?
North Slope For insulation recommendations tailored to your
Zone 1 includes: home, visit the DOE Zip Code Insulation Calculator
Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico at ornl.gov/~roofs/Zip/ZipHome.html.
and the Virgin Islands
Heat Fuel Cathedral Insulation
Zone Gas Electric Attic Cavity Floor
Pump Oil Ceiling Sheathing
1 • • • • R30 to R49 R22 to R38 R13 to R15 None R13
2 • • • R30 to R60 R22 to R38 R13 to R15 None R13
• R30 to R60 R22 to R38 R13 to R15 None R19 - R25
3 • • • R30 to R60 R22 to R38 R13 to R15 None R25
• R30 to R60 R22 to R38 R13 to R15 R2.5 to R5 R25
4 • • • R38 to R60 R30 to R38 R13 to R15 R2.5 to R6 R25 - R30
• R38 to R60 R30 to R38 R13 to R15 R5 to R6 R25 - R30
5 • • • R38 to R60 R30 to R38 R13 to R15 R2.5 to R6 R25 - R30
• R38 to R60 R30 to R60 R13 to R21 R5 to R6 R25 - R30
6 • • • • R49 to R60 R30 to R60 R13 to R21 R5 to R6 R25 - R30
7 • • • • R49 to R60 R30 to R60 R13 to R21 R5 to R6 R25 - R30
8 • • • • R49 to R60 R30 to R60 R13 to R21 R5 to R6 R25 - R30
* These recommendations represent cost-effective levels of insulation based on the best available information
on local fuel and materials costs and weather conditions. Consequently, the levels may differ from current
local building codes.
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12. Where to Insulate
Adding insulation in the areas
shown here may be the best way
to improve your home’s energy
efficiency. Insulate either the attic
floor or under the roof. Check
with a contractor about crawl
space or basement insulation.
1 Attic
2 Walls
3 Floors
4 Basement
5 Crawlspace
Open-cell foam cells are not as dense help ensure proper airflow from the
and are filled with air, which gives the soffit to the attic. Ventilation helps
insulation a spongy texture. Open-cell with moisture control and reducing
foam insulation value is around R-3.7 summer cooling bills, but don’t venti-
per inch of thickness. late your attic if you have insulation on
The type of insulation you should choose the underside of the roof. Ask a quali-
depends on how you will use it and on fied contractor for recommendations.
your budget. While closed-cell foam has • Be careful how close you place
a greater R-value and provides stronger insulation next to a recessed light
resistance against moisture and air fixture—unless it is insulation
leakage, the material is also much denser contact (IC) rated—to avoid a fire
and is more expensive to install. Open- hazard. See the Lighting section for
cell foam is lighter and less expensive but more information about recessed
should not be used below ground level lights.
where it could absorb water. Consult a • Follow the manufacturer’s installa-
professional insulation installer to decide tion instructions, and wear the proper
what type of insulation is best for you. protective gear when installing
insulation.
Insulation Tips
• Consider factors such as your climate, $ Long-Term Savings Tips
home design, and budget when select- One of the most cost-effective ways
ing insulation for your home. to make your home more comfortable
• Use higher R-value insulation, such year-round is to add insulation to your
as spray foam, on exterior walls attic, including the attic trap or access
and in cathedral ceilings to get more door, which is relatively easy. To find
insulation with less thickness. out if you have enough attic insulation,
• Install attic air barriers such as wind measure the thickness of the insulation.
baffles along the entire attic eave to
13. wall. These help to reduce the energy
Tips for that would otherwise be lost through the
Finding a Contractor wood frame. The table on page 9 shows
the recommended combinations. For
■■ Look for licensed, insured, and more customized recommendations, see
certified contractors. the ZIP Code Insulation Calculator at
■■ Get three bids with details in writing. ornl.gov/~roofs/Zip/ZipHome.html.
■■ Ask about previous experience.
■■ Check references. Consider products that provide both
■■ Ask neighbors and friends for
insulation and structural support, such
recommendations. as structural insulated panels (SIPs), and
■■ Focus on local companies. masonry products like insulating con-
crete forms. Visit energysaver.gov for
more information on structural insulation.
If it is less than R-30 (11 inches of fiber You should consider attic or roof radiant
glass or rock wool or 8 inches of cellulose), barriers (in hot climates), reflective
you could probably benefit by adding more. insulation, and foundation insulation for
new home construction. Check with your
If your attic has enough insulation and
contractor for more information about
proper air sealing, and your home still
these options.
feels drafty and cold in the winter or too
warm in the summer, chances are you
need to add insulation to the exterior Should I Insulate
walls. This is more expensive and My Home?
usually requires a contractor, but it may
be worth the cost—especially if you live Insulate your home when:
in a very cold climate. If you replace the ■■ You have an older home and
exterior siding on your home, consider haven’t added insulation. Homes
adding insulation at the same time. built before 1950 use about 60%
You may also need to add insulation more energy per square foot than
those built in 2000 or later.
to your crawl space or basement. Check
with a professional contractor for
■■ You are uncomfortably cold in
the winter or hot in the summer—
adding insulation creates a more
New Construction uniform temperature and increases
comfort.
and Additions
■■ You build a new home or addition
In most climates, you will save money
or install new siding or roofing.
and energy when you build a new home
■■ You pay high energy bills.
or addition if you install a combination
■■ You are bothered by noise from
of cavity insulation and insulative
outside—insulation muffles sound.
sheathing. Reduce exterior wall leaks by
taping the joints of exterior sheathing
and caulking and sealing exterior walls.
Cavity insulation can be installed at
levels up to R-15 inch a 2 inch x 4 inch
wall and up to R-21 in a 2 inch x 6 inch.
11
14. Heating and Cooling
eating and cooling your home • Eliminate trapped air from hot-water
uses more energy and costs radiators once or twice a season; if
more money than any other system unsure about how to perform this
in your home—typically making up task, contact a professional.
about 48% of your utility bill. • Place heat-resistant radiator
No matter what kind of heating and reflectors between exterior walls and
cooling system you have in your the radiators.
house, you can save money and • Turn off kitchen, bath, and other
increase your comfort by properly exhaust fans within 20 minutes after
maintaining and upgrading your you are done cooking or bathing;
equipment. But remember, an energy- when replacing exhaust fans,
efficient furnace alone will not have as consider installing high-efficiency,
great an impact on your energy bills low-noise models.
as using the whole-house approach. • During winter, keep the draperies
By combining proper equipment and shades on your south-facing
maintenance and upgrades with windows open during the day to
recommended insulation, air sealing, allow the sunlight to enter your
and thermostat settings, you can save home and closed at night to reduce
about 30% on your energy bill while the chill you may feel from cold
reducing environmental emissions. windows.
Heating and Cooling Tips Do not Have or
• Set your programmable Use Heating Equipment,
3%
thermostat as low as is
Propane/LPG
comfortable in the winter 5% Natural Gas
and as high as is comfortable 49%
in the summer, as well as Fuel Oil
6%
when you’re sleeping or
Wood
away from home. 2%
• Clean or replace filters Other
on furnaces and air condi- 1%
Electricity
tioners once a month or as 34%
recommended.
• Clean warm-air registers,
baseboard heaters, and
radiators as needed; make Household Heating Systems
sure they’re not blocked Although several different types of fuels are available
by furniture, carpeting, to heat our homes, nearly half of us use natural gas.
or drapes. Sources: Buildings Energy Data Book 2011, 2.1.1 Residential Primary
Energy Consumption, by Year and Fuel Type (Quadrillion Btu and
Percent of Total); Energy Information Administration 2009 RECS
Survey Data.
15. • During summer, keep the window supply ducts are leaking, heated or cooled
coverings closed during the day air can be forced out of unsealed joints
to block the sun’s heat. and lost. In addition, unconditioned air
can be drawn into return ducts through
$ Long-Term Savings Tips unsealed joints.
Select energy-efficient products when you
buy new heating and cooling equipment. Although minor duct repairs are easy
Your contractor should be able to give to make, qualified professionals should
you energy fact sheets for different types, seal and insulate ducts in unconditioned
models, and designs to help you compare spaces to ensure the use of appropriate
energy usage. sealing materials.
For furnaces, look for high Annual Fuel Minor Duct Repair Tips
Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings. • Check your ducts for air leaks.
The national minimum is 78% AFUE, but First, look for sections that should
there are ENERGY STAR® models on be joined but have separated and
the market that exceed 90% AFUE. For then look for obvious holes.
air conditioners, look for a high Seasonal • If you use tape to seal your ducts,
Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The avoid cloth-backed, rubber adhesive
current minimum is 13 SEER for central duct tape—it tends to fail quickly.
air conditioners. ENERGY STAR models Instead, use mastic, butyl tape, foil
are 14.5 SEER or more. tape, or other heat-approved tapes.
Look for tape with the Underwriters
Air Ducts Laboratories (UL) logo.
Your air ducts are one of the most important • Remember that insulating ducts in
systems in your home, and if the ducts are the basement will make the base-
poorly sealed or insulated they are likely ment colder. If both the ducts and
contributing to higher energy bills. the basement walls are not insulated,
Your home’s duct system is a branching consider insulating both. Water
network of tubes in the walls, floors, and pipes and drains in unconditioned
ceilings; it carries the air from your home’s spaces could freeze and burst if
furnace and central air conditioner to each the heat ducts are fully insulated
room. Ducts are made of sheet metal, because there would be no heat
fiberglass, or other materials. source to prevent the space from
freezing in cold weather. However,
Ducts that leak heated air into unheated
using an electric heating tape wrap
spaces can add hundreds of dollars a
on the pipes can prevent this. Check
year to your heating and cooling bills.
with a professional contractor.
Insulating ducts that are in unconditioned
• Hire a professional to install both
spaces is usually very cost effective. If you
supply and return registers in the
are installing a new duct system, make
basement rooms after converting
sure it comes with insulation.
your basement to a living area.
Sealing your ducts to prevent leaks • Be sure a well-sealed vapor barrier
is even more important if the ducts are exists on the outside of the insula-
located in an unconditioned area such as tion on cooling ducts to prevent
an attic or vented crawl space. If the moisture condensation.
13
16. Air Ducts: Out of Sight, Out of Mind
The unsealed ducts in your attic and crawlspaces lose air, and uninsulated ducts lose
heat—wasting energy and money.
• If you have a fuel-burning furnace, Heat Pumps
stove, or other appliance or an Heat pumps are the most efficient form
attached garage, install a carbon of electric heating in moderate climates,
monoxide (CO) monitor to alert providing up to three times more heat
you to harmful CO levels. than the energy they use. Today’s heat
• Be sure to get professional help pump can reduce your electricity use for
when doing ductwork. A qualified heating by approximately 50% compared
professional should always perform to electric resistance heating such as
changes and repairs to a duct system. furnaces and baseboard heaters.
A heat pump does double duty as a central
Install a Carbon air conditioner by collecting the heat inside
Monoxide Detector your house and pumping it outside.
There are three types of heat pumps:
Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are air-to-air, water source, and geothermal.
required in new buildings in many
They collect heat from the air, water,
states. They are highly recommended
in homes with fuel-burning appliances
or ground outside your home and
such as natural gas furnaces, stoves, concentrate it for use inside.
ovens, water heaters, and space Geothermal (or ground source) heat pumps
heaters. An alarm signals if CO reaches have some major advantages. They can
potentially dangerous levels. reduce energy use by 30%-60%, control
humidity, are sturdy and reliable, and fit in
a wide variety of homes.
17. Heat Pump Tips passive solar design for a new home or
• Do not set back the heat pump’s a major remodel, consult an architect
thermostat manually if it causes the familiar with passive solar techniques.
electric-resistance heating to come
on. This type of heating, which is
Passive Solar Tips
• Keep all south-facing glass clean.
often used as a backup to the heat
• Make sure that objects do not block
pump, is more expensive.
sunlight on concrete slab floors or
• Install or have a professional install
heat-absorbing walls.
a programmable thermostat with
multistage functions suitable for Natural Gas and Oil Heating
a heat pump. If you plan to buy a new heating system,
• Clean or change filters once a ask your local utility or state energy
month or as needed, and maintain office about the latest technologies on
the system according to manufac- the market. For example, many newer
turer’s instructions. models have designs for burners and heat
exchangers that are more efficient during
$ Long-Term Savings Tip
operation and cut heat loss when the
If you heat your home with electricity
equipment is off.
and live in a moderate climate, consider
an energy-efficient heat pump system to Consider a sealed-combustion furnace—
reduce your energy consumption. they are safer and more efficient.
Passive Solar Heating $ Long-Term Savings Tip
and Cooling Install a new energy-efficient furnace to
Using passive solar design to heat save money over the long term. Look for
and cool your home can be both the ENERGY STAR and EnergyGuide
environmentally friendly and cost labels to compare efficiency and ensure
effective. In many cases, your heating quality.
costs can be reduced to less than half
the cost of heating a typical home. Programmable Thermostats
You can save as much as 10% a year on
Passive solar design can also help lower heating and cooling by simply turning
your cooling costs. Passive solar cooling your thermostat back 7o-10o F for 8 hours
techniques include carefully designed a day from where you would normally
overhangs and using reflective coatings set. (If you have a heat pump, don’t do
on windows, exterior walls, and roofs. this without a programmable thermostat).
Newer techniques include placing large, You can do this automatically by using a
insulated windows on south-facing walls programmable thermostat and scheduling
and putting thermal mass, such as a the times you turn on the heating or air
concrete slab floor or a heat-absorbing conditioning. As a result, the equipment
wall, close to the windows. doesn’t operate as much when you are
A passive solar house requires careful asleep or not at home.
design and siting, which vary by local
climate conditions. If you are considering
15
18. Hot Winter Tip
Use a programmable thermostat
to automatically turn down
the heat at night or when you’re
away from home.
Cool Summer Tip
In the summer, save money by
automatically turning up the air
conditioner at night or when
you’re away from home.
Programmable thermostats can store help cool your home by pulling cool air
multiple daily settings (six or more through the house and exhausting warm
temperature settings a day) that you can air through the attic. Use the fan most
manually override without affecting the effectively to cool down your house
rest of the daily or weekly program. during cooler times of the day: your home
will stay cooler through the hotter times
Air Conditioners of the day without using the fan.
Buying a bigger room air conditioner
won’t necessarily make you feel more Cooling Tips
comfortable during the hot summer • Set your thermostat at as high a
months. In fact, a room air conditioner temperature as comfortably possible
that’s too big for the area it is supposed to in the summer, and ensure humid-
cool will perform less efficiently and less ity control if needed. The smaller
effectively than a smaller, properly sized the difference between the indoor
unit. Central air-conditioning systems and outdoor temperatures, the lower
need to be sized by professionals. your overall cooling bill will be.
If you have a central air system in your • Avoid setting your thermostat at a
home, set the fan to shut off at the same colder setting than normal when you
time as the compressor, which is usually turn on your air conditioner. It will
done by setting the “auto” mode on not cool your home any faster and
the fan setting. In other words, don’t could result in excessive cooling and,
use the system’s central fan to provide therefore, unnecessary expense.
air circulation—use circulating fans in • Consider using an interior fan along
individual rooms. with your window air conditioner to
spread the cooled air through your
Instead of air-conditioning, consider home without greatly increasing
installing a whole-house fan. Whole- your power use.
house fans work in many climates and
19. Buildings and Trees—Natural Partners
Deciduous trees planted on the south and west sides will help keep your house cool in
the summer and allow sun to shine through the windows in the winter.
• Avoid placing appliances that give Cool Roofs
off heat such as lamps or TVs near a If you’ve ever stood on a roof on a hot
thermostat. summer day, you know how hot it can
get. The heat from your roof makes your
$ Long-Term Savings Tips air conditioner work even harder to keep
If your air conditioner is old, consider
your home cool.
buying an energy-efficient model.
Look for the ENERGY STAR and If you are building a new home, decide
EnergyGuide labels—qualified room during planning whether you want a
air conditioners are 10% more efficient, cool roof, and if you want to convert an
and qualified central units are about 15% existing roof, you can:
more efficient than standard models. • Retrofit the roof with specialized
Consider installing a whole-house fan or heat-reflective material.
evaporative cooler if appropriate for your • Re-cover the roof with a new
climate. Check out energysaver.gov for waterproofing surface (such as
more information on efficient cooling. tile coating).
• Replace the roof with a cool one.
17
20. A cool roof uses material that is designed Visit the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities
to reflect more sunlight and absorb less industry website at greenroofs.org for
heat than a standard roof. Cool roofs more information.
can be made of a highly reflective type
of paint, a sheet covering, or highly Landscaping
reflective tiles or shingles. Landscaping is a natural and beautiful
way to keep your home cool in summer
By installing a cool roof, you can lower and reduce your energy bills. A well-
the temperature of your roof by up to placed tree, shrub, or vine can deliver
50°F and save energy and money by effective shade, act as a windbreak,
using less air conditioning. Cool roofs and reduce your energy bills—see
make spaces like garages or covered landscaping illustration. Carefully
patios more comfortable. positioned trees can save up to 25%
As cool roofs become more popular, of the energy a typical household uses.
communities will benefit from fewer Research shows that summer day-time
power plant emissions and less demand air temperatures can be 3°-6° cooler
for new power plants. Cool roofs can in tree-shaded neighborhoods than in
lower outside air temperatures, reducing treeless areas.
heat islands in urban areas. A lattice or trellis with climbing vines
Nearly any type of home can benefit from or a planter box with trailing vines
a cool roof, but consider climate and shades the home while admitting
other factors before you decide to install cooling breezes to the shaded area.
one. Visit energysaver.gov to learn more
about cool roofs.
Green Roofs
You may also consider installing a green
roof. Green roofs are ideal for urban
buildings with flat or shallow-pit roofs,
and can include anything from basic
plant cover to a garden. The primary
reasons for using this type of roof include
managing storm water and enjoying a
rooftop open space.
Green roofs also provide insulation,
lower the need for heating and cooling,
and can reduce the urban heat island
effect. This roof type can be much more
expensive to implement than other
efficient roof options, so you should
carefully assess your property and consult
a professional before deciding to install a
green roof.
21. Water Heating
ater heating is
the second largest
energy expense in your
home. It typically accounts
for about 18% of your
utility bill after heating and
There are four ways to cut
your water heating bills: use
less hot water, turn down
the thermostat on your water
heater, insulate your water
heater, or buy a new, more
efficient model.
Water Heating Tips
• Install aerating,
low-flow faucets and
showerheads.
• Repair leaky faucets
promptly; a leaky faucet
wastes gallons of water Keep Your Energy Bills Out of Hot Water
in a short period of time. Insulate your water heater to save energy and money, or
choose an on-demand hot water heater to save even more.
• Set the thermostat on
your water heater to 120°F to get
comfortable hot water for most uses. • If you are in the market for a new
• Insulate your electric hot-water dishwasher or clothes washer,
storage tank but be careful not to consider buying an efficient, water-
cover the thermostat. Follow the saving ENERGY STAR® model to
manufacturer’s recommendations. reduce hot water use. See the Appli-
• Insulate your natural gas or oil ances section for more information.
hot-water storage tank but be careful • Install heat traps on the hot and cold
not to cover the water heater’s top, pipes at the water heater to prevent
bottom, thermostat, or burner heat loss. Most new water heaters
compartment. Follow the manufac- have built-in heat traps.
turer’s recommendations; when • Drain a quart of water from your
in doubt, get professional help. water tank every 3 months to
• Insulate the first 6 feet of the hot remove sediment that impedes heat
and cold water pipes connected to transfer and lowers the efficiency
the water heater. of your heater. Follow the manufac-
turer’s directions.
19
22. Although most water heaters last 10-15 Gallons
years, it’s best to start shopping now for a Activity per Use
new one if yours is more than 7 years old. Clothes washer 25
Doing some research before your heater
fails will enable you to select one that Shower 10
most appropriately meets your needs. Automatic
6
dishwasher
$ Long-Term Savings Tips
Buy a new energy-efficient water heater. Kitchen
2 per minute
While it may cost more initially than a faucet flow
standard water heater, the energy savings Bathroom
2 per minute
will continue during the lifetime of the faucet flow
appliance. Look for the ENERGY STAR® Total daily average 64
and EnergyGuide labels. You can find
the ENERGY STAR label on efficient Average Hot Water Usage
water heaters in the following categories: Faucets and appliances can use a lot of hot
high efficiency gas non-condensing, water, which costs you money. Look for
gas condensing, electric heat pump, ways to heat your water more efficiently
gas tankless, and solar. and use less.
Consider natural gas on-demand or tankless
water heaters, which heat water directly Solar Water Heaters
without using a storage tank. Researchers If you heat water with electricity, have
have found energy savings can be up to high electric rates, and have an unshaded,
30% compared with a standard natural gas south-facing location (such as a roof)
storage tank water heater. on your property, consider installing a
Consider installing a drain-water waste solar water heater. The solar units are
heat recovery system. Drain-water, or environmentally friendly and you can
greywater, heat recovery systems capture have them installed on your roof to blend
the energy from waste hot water—such as with the architecture of your house.
showers and dishwashers—to preheat cold Solar water heating systems are also good
water entering the water heater or going to for the environment. Solar water heaters
other water fixtures. Energy savings vary avoid the greenhouse gas emissions
depending on individual household usage. associated with electricity production.
Heat pump water heaters can cut water When shopping for a solar water heater,
heating costs by an average of 50% over look for the ENERGY STAR label and for
standard electric water heaters in some systems certified by the Solar Rating and
areas. If your water heater is located Certification Corporation or the Florida
in your basement, it will also provide Solar Energy Center.
dehumidification in the summer months.
However, this technology can pose some $ Long-Term Savings Tip
installation challenges, so you should Visit the Database of State Incentives
consult with an installer before you for Renewables & Efficiency website
purchase one. For more information see (dsireusa.org) to see if you qualify for
energysaver.gov. tax credits or rebates for buying a solar
water heater.
23. indows can be one of
your home’s most
attractive features. Windows Windows with low-e
provide views, daylighting, coatings reflect back
part of your room’s heat
ventilation, and heat from the
in the winter.
sun in the winter. Unfortu-
nately, they can also account
for 10%-25% of your heating
bill by letting heat out.
During the summer, your air
conditioner must work harder
to cool hot air from sunny
windows. Install ENERGY
STAR®-qualified windows and
use curtains and shade to give
your air conditioner and energy
bill a break.
If your home has single-pane
windows, consider replacing
them with double-pane windows
with high-performance glass—
low-e or spectrally selective Cold-Climate Windows Keep Heat In
coatings. In colder climates, Double-pane windows with low-e coating on the
select gas-filled windows with glass reflect heat back into the room during the
low-e coatings to reduce heat winter months.
loss. In warmer climates, select
windows with spectrally selective • Close your curtains and shades at
coatings to reduce heat gain. night to protect against cold drafts;
If you decide not to replace your open them during the day to let in
windows, consider following these warming sunlight.
tips to improve their performance. • Install exterior or interior storm
windows, which can reduce heat loss
Cold Weather Window Tips through the windows by approxi-
• Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet mately 10%-20%, depending on the
on a frame or tape clear plastic film type of window already installed in
to the inside of your window frames the home.
to reduce drafts. • Repair and weatherize your current
• Install tight-fitting, insulating window storm windows, if necessary.
shades on windows that feel drafty after
weatherizing.
21
24. Warm Weather Window Tips
• Install white window shades, drapes, Windows with low-e
or blinds to reflect heat away from coatings reflect back part
the house. of the summer sun.
• Close curtains on south- and west-
facing windows during the day.
• Install awnings on south- and west-
facing windows.
• Apply sun-control or other reflective
films on south-facing windows to
reduce solar heat gain.
$ Long-Term Savings Tip
Installing high-performance windows
will improve your home’s energy
performance. While it may take many
years for new windows to pay off in
energy savings, the benefits of added
comfort, improved aesthetics, and
functionality can offset the cost.
Warm-Climate Windows Keep Heat Out
Shopping Tips for Windows In the summertime, the sun shining through
• Look for the ENERGY STAR® label. your windows heats up the room. Windows
• Check with local utilities to see with low-e coatings on the glass reflect some
what rebates or other incentives are of the sunlight, keeping your rooms cooler.
available for window replacement.
• Choose high-performance windows • Look for whole-unit U-factors
that have at least two panes of glass and SHGCs, rather than center-of-
and a low-e coating. glass (COG) U-factors and SHGCs.
• Choose a low U-factor for better Whole-unit numbers more accurately
insulation in colder climates; the reflect the energy performance of
U-factor is the rate at which a the entire product.
window, door, or skylight conducts • Have your windows installed by
non-solar heat flow. trained professionals according to
• Look for a low solar heat gain manufacturer’s instructions; other-
coefficient (SHGC)—this is a wise, your warranty may be void.
measure of solar radiation admitted • Consider windows with impact-
through a window, door, or skylight. resistant glass if you live along a
Low SHGCs reduce heat gain in coast or in areas with flying debris
warm climates. from storms.
• Select windows with both low U-
factors and low SHGCs to maximize
energy savings in temperate climates
with both cold and hot seasons.
25. n average household dedicates they can initially cost more than tradi-
about 5% of its energy budget tional incandescent bulbs, during their
to lighting. Switching to energy-efficient lifetime they save you money because
lighting is one of the fastest ways to cut they use less electricity.
your energy bills. Timers and motion
sensors save you even more money by Energy-Saving (also called Halogen)
reducing the amount of time lights are Incandescent Lighting
on but not being used. Halogen incandescent light bulbs are
simply energy-efficient incandescent
Indoor Lighting bulbs and can last up to three times longer
You have many choices in energy-efficient than traditional incandescent light bulbs.
lighting. The most popular light bulbs Halogen incandescents come in a wide
available are halogen incandescents, range of shapes and colors and can be
compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and used with dimmers.
light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Although
LED Flood LED CFL Energy-Saving
Incandescent
Lighting Choices Save You Money
Energy-efficient light bulbs are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes.
23
26. CFL Bulbs LEDs: A New Kind of Light
ENERGY STAR®-qualified CFLs use about LED bulbs offer similar light quality to
75% less energy and last up to 10 times traditional incandescents, last 25 times as
longer than traditional incandescents. long, and use even less energy than CFLs.
Choose ENERGY STAR-qualified LEDs for
the highest quality and energy savings.
CFL Lighting
CFL bulbs last about 10 times longer
and use about one-fourth the energy of energy and last up to 25 times longer
traditional incandescent bulbs. A typical than traditional incandescent bulbs. They
CFL can pay for itself in energy savings come in a variety of colors, and some are
in less than 9 months and continue dimmable or offer convenient features
to save you money each month. such as daylight and motion sensors.
You can buy CFLs that offer the same In addition to standard screw-in bulbs,
brightness and colors as traditional you’ll find LEDs in desk lamps, kitchen
incandescent bulbs. Some CFLs are under-cabinet lighting, and even holiday
encased in a cover to further diffuse light strings.
the light and provide a similar shape
to traditional incandescent bulbs.
Indoor Lighting Tips
• Replacing 15 inefficient incande-
CFLs contain a very small amount of scent bulbs in your home with
mercury and require special handling if energy-saving bulbs could save
they are broken. CFLs should be recycled you about $50 per year. Replace
at the end of their lifespan. Many retailers your old incandescent bulbs with
recycle CFLs for free. Visit epa.gov/cfl ENERGY STAR-qualified bulbs
for cleanup and safe disposal steps. for the best quality in savings.
• Visit energystar.gov to find the right
LED Lighting light bulbs for your fixtures. They
LED bulbs are rapidly expanding in
are available in sizes and shapes to
household use. ENERGY STAR-qualified
LEDs use only about 20%-25% of the
27. fit in almost any fixture and provide
the greatest savings in fixtures that
are on for a long time each day.
• When remodeling, look for recessed
light fixtures or “cans” which are
rated for contact with insulation
and are air tight (ICAT rated).
• When replacing incandescent
bulbs from recessed light fixtures,
use energy-efficient bulbs that are
rated for that purpose. For example,
the heat buildup in downlights will
significantly shorten the life of
spiral CFLs.
• Consider purchasing ENERGY Recycle Your Old CFLs
CFLs contain a small amount of mercury
STAR-qualified fixtures. They are
sealed within the glass tubing, and must
available in many styles, distribute be recycled. Many retailers offer free
light more efficiently and evenly recycling services, and some municipalities
than standard fixtures, and some have special recycling programs.
offer convenient features such as
dimming. mance in cold environments. Look for
• Controls such as timers and photo- LED products such as pathway lights,
cells save electricity by turning lights step lights, and porch lights for outdoor
off when not in use. Dimmers save use. You can also find solar-powered
electricity when used to lower light outdoor lighting.
levels. Be sure to select products
that are compatible with the energy- Outdoor Lighting Tips
efficient bulbs you want to use. • Because outdoor lights are usually
• Keep your curtains or shades open left on a long time, using CFLs or
to use daylighting instead of turn- LEDs in these fixtures will save a
ing on lights. For more privacy, use lot of energy. Most bare spiral CFLs
light-colored, loose-weave curtains can be used in enclosed fixtures that
to allow daylight into the room. protect them from the weather.
Also, decorate with lighter colors • CFLs and LEDs are available as
that reflect daylight. flood lights. These models have
been tested to withstand the rain
Outdoor Lighting and snow so they can be used in
Many homeowners use outdoor lighting exposed fixtures.
for decoration and security. A variety of • Look for ENERGY STAR-qualified
products are available from low-voltage fixtures that are designed for out-
pathway lighting to motion-detector door use and come with features
floodlights. like automatic daylight shut-off
LEDs work well indoors and outdoors and motion sensors.
because of their durability and perfor-
25
28. New Lighting Standards
Beginning in 2012, the efficiency
standards of the bipartisan Energy
Independence and Security Act of 2007
(EISA 2007) required the common light
bulbs we use to be about 25% more
energy efficient.
The standards took effect as of January
1, 2012, to make traditional 100 W
incandescent light bulbs unavailable to
consumers. This standard extended to
traditional 75 W incandescent bulbs as
of January 1, 2013, and to traditional
40 W and 60 W incandescent bulbs as
of January 1, 2014. However, you have
The Lighting Facts Label many lighting options that are EISA-
The Federal Trade Commission requires compliant and will save you money.
the Lighting Facts label on all light bulb
packages to help consumers easily
compare energy-efficient bulbs.
The label includes: Lumens: A New Way
• Brightness, measured in lumens to Shop for Light
• Estimated yearly energy cost
(similar to the EnergyGuide label) In the past, we bought light bulbs
based on how much energy, or watts,
• Lifespan
they use. Wouldn’t it make more sense
• Light appearance (from warm to buy lights based on how much light
to cool) they provide?
• Energy used, measured in watts.
When you’re shopping for light bulbs,
Like the helpful nutrition label on food you can choose your next light bulb for
products, the Lighting Facts label helps the brightness you want by comparing
you to understand exactly what you are lumens instead of watts. A lumen is a
buying and to buy the light bulbs that are measure of the amount of brightness
right for you. of a light bulb—the higher the number
of lumens, the brighter the light bulb.
If you’re replacing an inefficient 100 W
bulb, look for an energy-saving bulb
that puts out about 1600 lumens. To
replace a 60 W equivalent, look for a
bulb with about 800 lumens.
So when you’re looking for a new bulb,
look for lumens—or how bright the
bulb is. Now that’s a pretty bright idea!
29. ppliances account for about 13% When you shop for a new appliance, look
of your household’s energy costs, for the ENERGY STAR® label. ENERGY
with refrigeration, cooking, and laundry STAR products usually exceed minimum
at the top of the list. federal standards by a substantial amount.
When you’re shopping for appliances, To help you figure out whether an
think of two price tags. The first one appliance is energy efficient, the federal
covers the purchase price—think of it as a government requires most appliances
down payment. The second price tag is the to display the bright yellow and black
cost of operating the appliance during its EnergyGuide label. Although these labels
lifetime. You’ll be paying on that second will not show you which appliance is the
price tag every month with your utility bill most efficient on the market, they will
for the next 10 to 20 years, depending on show you the annual energy consumption
the appliance. Refrigerators last an average and operating cost for each appliance so
of 12 years; clothes washers last about you can compare them yourself.
11 years; and room air conditioners last
about 9 years.
What’s the Real Cost?
Every appliance has two price tags—the purchase price and the operating cost.
Consider both when buying a new appliance.
27
30. What’s a Kilowatt?
When you use electricity to power
a 1000-watt vacuum for 1 hour, you
use 1,000 watt-hours (1,000 Wh) of
electricity! One thousand watt-hours
equals 1 kWh. Your utility bill usually
shows what you are charged for the
kilowatt-hours you use. The average
residential rate is 11.88 cents/kWh.
A typical U.S. household consumes
about 11,280 kWh per year, costing an
average of $1,340 annually.
Most of the energy used by a dishwasher
is for water heating. The EnergyGuide ENERGY STAR® Refrigerators Are Cool!
label estimates how much power is ENERGY STAR-qualified refrigerators use
needed per year to run the appliance and 15% less energy than non-qualified models.
to heat the water based on the yearly cost Models with top-mounted freezers use
of natural gas and electric water heating. 10%–25% less energy than side-by-side or
bottom-mount units.
Dishwasher Water-Saving Tips
• Check the manual that came with • Let your dishes air dry; if you don’t
your dishwasher for the manufac- have an automatic air-dry switch,
turer’s recommendations on water turn off the control knob after the
temperature; many have internal final rinse and prop the door open
heating elements that allow you to slightly so the dishes will dry faster.
set the water heater in your home to
a lower temperature (120°F). $ Long-Term Savings Tip
• Scrape, don’t rinse, off large food When shopping for a new dishwasher,
pieces and bones. Soaking or pre- look for the ENERGY STAR label to
washing is generally only recom- find one that uses less water and energy
mended in cases of burned- or dried- than required by federal standards. They
on food. are required to use 4.25 gallons of water
• Be sure your dishwasher is full per cycle or less—older dishwashers
(not overloaded) when you run it. purchased before 1994 use more than
• Avoid using the “rinse hold” on 10 gallons of water per cycle.
your machine for just a few soiled
dishes. It uses 3-7 gallons of hot Smart Appliances
water each use. Some manufacturers are now offering
“smart” appliances—appliances that can
be connected to smart electric meters
or home energy management systems
31. How to Read the EnergyGuide Label
The EnergyGuide label is required to be placed on all appliances by the manufacturers.
The label provides information about energy consumption, and shows you how much
energy an appliance uses compared with similar models. Keep in mind that the numbers
are averages: actual costs will differ somewhat depending on how you use them.
1. Maker, model number, and size of the
appliance.
2. Estimated yearly operating cost 1
5
(based on the national average cost of
electricity), and the range of operating
costs for similar models. 2
3. The ENERGY STAR® logo indicates
that this model meets strict criteria for
energy efficiency.
4. Estimated yearly electricity consumption.
4
5. Key features of the appliance and the
similar models that make up the cost 3
comparison range.
The ENERGY STAR® Logo
The ENERGY STAR logo is on all qualified products that
meet specific standards for energy efficiency. ENERGY
STAR-qualified products exceed the federal minimum
standards for efficiency and quality—sometimes signifi-
cantly. Look for the label on appliances, electronics, water
heaters, windows, and other products that consume
energy in your home.
to help you shift your electricity use ways to shift energy use. You might not
to off-peak hours. Air conditioners, even be aware of it. For example, your air
refrigerators, dishwashers, and other conditioner may run slightly less often.
appliances may be available as smart Or your refrigerator might delay its
appliances. defrost cycle until the middle of the night.
Smart appliances don’t just turn off If your utility charges lower rates for
during times of peak electricity electricity at night, also called time-based
demand—instead, they use subtle rates, you could save on your utility bill.
29
32. Such changes may be unnoticeable to
you, but could add up to significant
savings for your utility—savings that can
be shared with you. Your utility provider
can tell you more about the availability
of smart grid technologies and time-based
electricity rates in your area and how
they can benefit you.
The EnergyGuide label on new refri-
gerators tells you how much electricity
in kilowatt-hours (kWh) a particular Save Energy and More with
model uses in one year. The smaller the ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR clothes washers use 20%
number, the less energy the refrigerator
less energy to wash clothes than standard
uses and the less it will cost you to washing machines.
operate. In addition to the EnergyGuide
label, don’t forget to look for the
and half out of the refrigerator. If you
ENERGY STAR label. A new refrigerator
can pull the paper or bill out easily,
with an ENERGY STAR label uses at
the latch may need adjustment, the
least 15% less energy than non-qualified
seal may need replacing, or you may
models, 20% less energy than required by
consider buying a new unit.
current federal standards, and 40% less
• Cover liquids and wrap foods stored
energy than the conventional models sold
in the refrigerator. Uncovered foods
in 2001.
release moisture and make the
Refrigerator-Freezer compressor work harder.
Energy Tips • Regularly defrost manual-defrost
• Don’t keep your refrigerator or freezers and refrigerators; frost
freezer too cold. Recommended buildup decreases the energy
temperatures are 35˚-38˚F for efficiency of the unit. Don’t allow
refrigerators and 0˚F for separate frost to build up more than one-
freezers for long-term storage. quarter of an inch.
• Check the refrigerator temperature
$ Long-Term Savings Tip
by placing an appliance thermometer
Look for the ENERGY STAR label
in a glass of water in the center of
when buying a new refrigerator. Select
the refrigerator. Read it after 24
a new refrigerator that is the right size
hours. Check the freezer tempera-
for your household. Top freezer models
ture by placing a thermometer
are more energy efficient than side-by-
between frozen packages. Read it
side models. Features like icemakers and
after 24 hours.
water dispensers, while convenient, do
• Make sure your refrigerator door
use more energy.
seals are airtight. Test them by
closing the door over a piece of
paper or a dollar bill so it is half in
33. How Much Electricity Do Appliances Use?
cost/year 0 $48 $96 $144 $192 $240
Hair dryer
Video game system
Toaster oven
Coffee maker
Laptop computer
DVD player
Ceiling fan
Clothes washer
Dishwasher
Microwave
Television
Desktop computer
Refrigerator/freezer
Pool pump
Clothes dryer
Water heater (family of 2)
kwh/year 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500
This chart shows how much energy a typical appliance uses per year and its corresponding
cost based on national averages. For example, a refrigerator/freezer uses almost five
times the electricity the average television uses. Visit energysaver.gov for instructions on
calculating the electrical use of your appliances. Source: Buildings Energy Data Book 2011, 2.1.16 Operating
Characteristics of Electric Appliances in the Residential Sector
Other Energy-Saving • Keep range-top burners and reflec-
Kitchen Tips tors clean; they will reflect the heat
• Place the faucet lever on the kitchen better, and you will save energy.
sink in the cold position when using • Use a covered kettle or pan or
small amounts of water; placing electric kettle to boil water; it’s
the lever in the hot position draws faster and uses less energy.
hot water even though it may never • Match the size of the pan to the
reach the faucet. heating element.
• Look for a natural gas oven or range • Use small electric pans, toaster
with an automatic, electric ignition ovens, or convection ovens for small
system, which saves gas since a pilot meals rather than your large stove or
light is not burning continuously. oven. A toaster or convection oven
• Look for blue flames in natural gas uses one-third to one-half as much
appliances; yellow flames indicate energy as a full-sized oven.
the gas is burning inefficiently and
an adjustment may be needed. If
you see yellow flames, consult the
manufacturer or your local utility.
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34. • Use pressure cookers and microwave • Periodically inspect your dryer vent
ovens whenever it is convenient to ensure it is not blocked. This will
to do so. They will save energy by save energy and may prevent a fire.
significantly reducing cooking time. Manufacturers recommend using
rigid venting material—not plastic
Laundry vents that may collapse and cause
There are two ways to reduce the amount blockages.
of energy used for washing clothes—use • Consider air-drying clothes on
less water and use cooler water. Unless clothes lines or drying racks. Air
you’re dealing with oily stains, the warm drying is recommended by clothing
or cold water setting on your machine manufacturers for some fabrics.
will generally do a good job of cleaning
your clothes. Switching your temperature $ Long-Term Savings Tips
setting from hot to warm can cut a load’s Look for the ENERGY STAR® and
energy use in half. EnergyGuide labels. ENERGY STAR
clothes washers clean clothes using 35%
Laundry Tips less water and 20% less energy than
• Wash your clothes in cold water standard washers.
using cold-water detergents
whenever possible. When shopping for a new clothes dryer,
• Wash and dry full loads. If you look for one with a moisture sensor that
are washing a small load, use the automatically shuts off the machine when
appropriate water-level setting. your clothes are dry. Not only will this
• Dry towels and heavier cottons save energy, it will save the wear and tear
in a separate load from lighter- on your clothes caused by over-drying.
weight clothes. ENERGY STAR does not label clothes
• Don’t over-dry your clothes. If your dryers because most of them use similar
machine has a moisture sensor, use it. amounts of energy.
• Clean the lint screen in the dryer
after every load to improve air
circulation and prevent fire hazards.
• Periodically, use the long nozzle tip
on your vacuum cleaner to remove
the lint that collects below the lint
screen in the lint screen slot of your
clothes dryer.
• Use the cool-down cycle to allow the
clothes to finish drying with the heat
remaining in the dryer.
35. Home Office and Electronics
any people work from home
at least one day per week. Shop for ENERGY STAR®
Working from home saves energy Office Products
and time by cutting out the commute,
■■ Computers
but it may increase your home energy
■■ Copiers
bills unless you use energy-saving
office equipment.
■■ Fax machines
■■ Monitors
ENERGY STAR-labeled office ■■ Multifunction devices
equipment is widely available. It (fax, scanner, and copier)
can provide dramatic energy savings— ■■ Printers
as much as 75% savings for some ■■ Scanners
products. Overall, ENERGY STAR-
labeled office products use about half
the electricity of standard equipment. • Using the power management
Find ENERGY STAR products and settings on computers and monitors
standards at energystar.gov. can cause significant savings.
• It is a common misperception that
Home Office Tips
screen savers reduce a monitor’s
• Selecting energy-efficient office
energy use. Use automatic switching
equipment and turning off
to sleep mode or simply turn it off.
machines when they are not in
use can result in significant
energy savings.
• ENERGY STAR-labeled
computers use 30%-65% less
energy than computers without
this designation, depending on
usage.
• Spending a large portion of time
in low-power mode not only
saves energy but helps equip-
ment run cooler and last longer.
• Putting your laptop AC adapter
on a power strip that can be
turned off (or will turn off
automatically) can maximize Keep Your Home Office Efficient
savings; the transformer in the with ENERGY STAR
AC adapter draws power con- Laptops are far more efficient than desktop com-
tinuously, even when the laptop puters, especially ENERGY STAR qualified models.
is not plugged into the adapter.
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36. • Another misperception, carried over
from the days of older mainframe Shop for ENERGY STAR®
computers, is that equipment lasts Home Electronics
longer if it is never turned off. ■■ Cordless phones
$ Long-Term Savings Tip ■■ TVs
Consider buying a laptop for your next ■■ DVD players
computer upgrade; laptops use much less ■■ Combination units (TV/DVD)
energy than desktop computers. ■■ Home audio
■■ Set-top boxes
Home Electronics Tips
• Look for energy-saving
ENERGY STAR home electronics. appliances. Unplug battery chargers
• Unplug appliances, or use a power when the batteries are fully charged
strip and use the switch on the or the chargers are not in use.
power strip to cut all power to the • Use rechargeable batteries for
appliance, to avoid “vampire” loads. products like cordless phones and
Many appliances continue to draw digital cameras. Studies have shown
a small amount of power when they they are more cost effective than
are switched off. These vampire disposable batteries. If you must
loads occur in most appliances that use disposables, check with your
use electricity, such as DVD players, trash removal company about safe
TVs, stereos, computers, and kitchen disposal options.
Use Smart Power Strips to Save Energy
Many electronics go into standby mode when you turn them off. Reduce wasted (vampire) power
by plugging electronics into a smart power strip, which can turn your electronics off completely.
37. Renewable Energy
ou have many options for energy technology, this energy-saving
using renewable energy at home, technology makes use of the constant
including solar panels and small temperature near the earth’s surface for
wind turbines. heating and cooling. See the Heating and
Solar panels are the most popular form Cooling section for more information.
of renewable energy today. You can In addition to using renewable energy
use them to generate heat, electricity, in your home, you can buy electricity
and indoor and outdoor light. made from renewable energy like the sun,
If you live on at least one acre of land wind, water, plants, and geothermal from
with an ample wind resource, you your utility company. Check with your
can generate your own electricity local utility for more information.
using a small wind electric system. Renewable Energy Tips
You can also use a small wind turbine • Installing solar-powered outdoor
for pumping water, or to charge a pathway lights is one of the easiest
sailboat battery. ways to use solar energy at home.
You may have also heard of using • Building a new home is the best time
a geothermal or ground-source heat to design and orient the home to take
pump to heat and cool your home. advantage of the sun’s rays. A well-
While not technically a renewable oriented home lets in the winter sun
Use Solar Power to Heat Water and More!
Today’s solar power is highly efficient. You can buy systems to heat your water, provide
electricity, and even offload your home heating system.
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