Energy efficiency in homes has improved significantly over the past few decades, yet inefficiencies still persist, contributing to pollution, climate change, and most notably, high utility bills. Although many homeowners strive to be mindful of their energy consumption, there are several inexpensive, yet impactful measures one can take to further reduce energy use. By following these simple steps, you can make your home more energy-efficient, and consequently, more cost-effective to maintain.
1. Seal It Up
Holes, cracks, and gaps in your home’s structure can allow cold air in during the winter and warm air in during the summer, leading to increased use of heating and cooling systems and higher energy bills. Identifying and sealing these leaks can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency. Common problem areas include the junctures where different building materials meet, such as brick and wood siding, as well as spaces around windows, doors, utility line entry points, outdoor water faucets, foundation cracks, and window air-conditioning units.
You can address most leaks yourself with basic materials and tools. For cracks or gaps that are less than a quarter-inch wide, use caulk, and for larger gaps, use polyurethane foam sealant. Install weather-stripping around windows and exterior doors, and attach sweeps to the bottoms of entry doors. To prevent drafts around outlets and light switches inside exterior walls, use insulating receptacle gaskets, which cost less than $1 each. If you have window air-conditioning units, remove them during winter or use an AC cover. During summer, ensure the units are tightly installed within the windows. Additionally, when not using a fireplace, tightly close its flue damper or completely seal it with a chimney plug, which typically costs less than $75. Collectively, these measures can save you 5% to 20% on heating and cooling costs.
2. Add Insulation
Insulation is key to maintaining a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, and all parts of your home that enclose living spaces should have adequate insulation. It is ideal to add insulation during the construction of a new home or during major renovations, but it can also be done anytime. The attic is a primary area for adding insulation because warm air rises, making it the first line of defense in preventing heat loss. Since most attics are unfinished and relatively empty, adding insulation is usually straightforward.
Unheated areas beneath ground floors, such as crawl spaces and basements, are also good candidates for additional insulation. Ensure that crawl spaces remain dry throughout the year and have a vapor barrier placed on the floor. While attic insulation projects can cost between $1,500 and $3,000, the investment is worthwhile. Checkbook researchers found that improving an average-sized home’s attic insulation from R-11 to R-49, which measures the insulation’s resistance to heat transfer, can lead to annual utility savings of about $130. Additionally, federal tax credits and other incentives can help offset the cost of most insulation and air-sealing products, making the investment even more attractive.
3. Adjust Thermostat Settings
Adjusting your thermostat settings can be an easy but effective way to reduce energy use. For most homes, setting the thermostat at 68 degrees instead of 70 during the winter and at 74 instead of 73 during the summer can result in annual savings of 10% to 15% on heating and cooling costs. A programmable thermostat can further enhance these savings by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your daily schedule and preferences. By lowering the temperature while you are away from home during the day and when you are under blankets at night, you can save an additional 10% to 25% on heating costs. Similarly, during the summer, increasing the temperature when you are not at home can yield comparable savings.
4. Lower Water Heater Temperature
Water heaters can be a significant source of energy consumption in homes. Lowering the temperature of your water heater’s thermostat from 140 degrees to 120 degrees can reduce its energy use by 10% to 15%. This simple adjustment can help to cut down on energy costs without sacrificing comfort. Moreover, it extends the lifespan of your water heater by reducing the risk of overheating and associated wear and tear.
5. Fix Ductwork
Leaking ducts can have a substantial impact on heating and cooling efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, leaks in ductwork can add 20% or more to a home’s heating and cooling bills. It’s essential to inspect your home’s exposed ductwork for any holes or gaps and seal them using mastic tape or HVAC foil tape. Additionally, ensure that all connections between ductwork and registers are properly sealed to prevent air from escaping.
6. Unplug Electronics
Electronic devices left plugged in when not in use can consume significant energy. Powering a family of four’s televisions, computers, cellphone chargers, and other small appliances can cost $200 or more annually. Unplugging electronics you rarely use or investing in smart power strips can help reduce this energy wastage. Smart power strips, which cost around $40 each, automatically cut off power to devices that have not been used for a set period.
7. Utilize Windows
Windows can play an essential role in optimizing the temperature inside your home. During the warmer months, closing curtains and blinds can block out heat, helping to keep your home cool. In colder weather, opening curtains during the day allows sunlight to warm your home naturally. However, if your windows are drafty and do not receive direct sunlight, keeping curtains closed can help prevent heat loss. Using thermal shades offers additional insulation benefits. Just ensure that curtains do not obstruct HVAC vents, which could interfere with the effective distribution of heated or cooled air.
8. Insulate Pipes and Ducts
In unheated areas like crawl spaces or basements, it is crucial to insulate furnace ductwork or pipes that supply hot water. Wrapping pipes in foam insulating sleeves can prevent heat loss and enhance energy efficiency. Consult HVAC contractors for advice on the most effective ways to insulate ductwork. Insulating ducts that run through uninsulated areas can save you approximately 5% to 15% on heating and cooling costs.
9. Wash Clothes in Cold Water
Most of the energy used to wash clothes comes from heating water. Energy Star reports that this accounts for up to 90% of the energy use for laundry. Testing by Consumer Reports shows that cold water can effectively clean most laundry loads. By washing clothes in cold water, most families can save between $25 to $40 annually on their energy bills, making this a simple but impactful adjustment.
10. Reconsider Extra Refrigerators and Freezers
Extra refrigerators or freezers can be convenient for storing overflow items, but they also add to energy costs. Older models, in particular, can be energy-intensive. While refrigerators sold in the past 10 years typically cost around $75 a year to run, models that are 30 years old can consume almost twice as much energy, costing about $140 per year. Evaluating the necessity and energy efficiency of auxiliary refrigeration units can lead to significant savings on utility bills.
11. Avoid Over-Drying Clothes
Clothes dryers can be substantial energy consumers, especially when run longer than necessary. To conserve energy, avoid over-drying clothes. If your dryer has a cool-down setting, use it to take advantage of residual heat at the end of the cycle while consuming minimal energy. Additionally, using the highest spin setting on your washer can extract more water from your clothes, reducing drying time. Another option is to use drying racks or an outdoor clothesline to air-dry clothes, which requires no energy and can extend the lifespan of your garments.
12. Embrace the Dishwasher
Modern dishwashers are designed to clean efficiently without the need for pre-rinsing or scrubbing. Consumer Reports tests indicate that most newer dishwashers can handle dirty dishes effectively with just a simple scrape-off of food residues. After the dishwasher completes a load, you can save additional energy by skipping the drying cycle and opening the door to let the remaining heat inside help with evaporation. This small adjustment can contribute to lower energy consumption and greater cost savings.
Conclusion
Energy efficiency in homes has seen marked improvements over recent decades, yet considerable inefficiencies remain. These inefficiencies contribute to pollution, climate change, and notably high utility bills. Many homeowners are conscious of their energy consumption but aren’t aware of the surprisingly simple, low-cost measures they can implement to further reduce energy use.
By adopting a few straightforward steps, you can enhance your home’s energy efficiency, making it more cost-effective to maintain. For instance, sealing gaps and cracks to prevent drafts can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs. Installing energy-efficient lighting and appliances is another effective strategy. Additionally, using programmable thermostats to optimize heating and cooling schedules can further cut down on energy use. Regular maintenance of heating and cooling systems ensures they run efficiently. Making these changes not only improves energy efficiency but also promotes a more sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle, ultimately resulting in lower utility bills and a reduced environmental footprint.