Consumer Federation of America’s 10 Simple Ways to Cut Home Energy Costs
- Check furnace or heat pump filters once a month and replace them regularly. A dirty air filter can increase your energy costs.
- Get your heating and cooling systems checked once a year by a licensed professional to make sure each is operating efficiently and safely.
- Install storm windows in the winter. Add them if you don’t have insulated windows. Or, if you’re looking for replacement windows, choose ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR, the government’s symbol for energy efficiency.
- Caulk and weather-strip all leaky windows, baseboards and doors.
- Caulk and weather proof all exterior openings for plumbing and electrical service and look for other openings that need to be sealed.
- Make sure all attic vents and ducts are properly sealed. Sealing your ducts can save up to $140 annually on energy bills and help you consistently heat every room.
- Check your attic and all accessible exterior walls in your basement or unfinished rooms to make sure they are well insulated.
- Install a programmable thermostat—a system that automatically adjusts to different temperature programs to meet your comfort needs efficiently during different times of the day or week. A programmable thermostat can save you $100 a year when programmed and used properly.
- Replace traditional light bulbs and fixtures with compact florescent bulbs. They cost a bit more, but they use two-thirds less energy and can last up to ten times longer than incandescents.
- Look for ENERGY STAR qualified products and appliances for your home. Products that have earned the ENERGY STAR meet strict energy efficiency criteria set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy. They use less energy, help prevent air pollution and reduce energy costs in your home.
OTHER WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY DOLLARS
…Insulate your hot water heater. Always follow directions carefully when installing an insulation jacket.
…Whenever possible, wash only full loads in your dishwasher and your clothes washer. Use your cold-cold cycle for laundry.
…Clean your refrigerator condenser coils at least once a year.
…Open your fireplace damper when there is a fire going. When you are done using the fireplace, remember to close the damper after the fire is completely out.
…Unplug – Many appliances like TVs, DVD players, stereos and cell phone chargers use electricity when not in use. This is called Phantom draw and it can account for up to 5% of your electric bill. You can stop it by directly unplugging electronics or by plugging items into a surge protector/power strip and turning the whole strip off when you leave a room or house.
…Choose a Hybrid or gas efficient car. Drive less – you will save one pound of carbon dioxide for every mile you don’t drive. Check your tires, if inflated properly you can improve gas mileage by more than 3%.
…PLANT A TREE – A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime!
www.climatecrisis.net – Check this out…they will help you calculate how much energy you are using and put you on an “Energy Diet”.
REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE!!!