The 25-Point DIY Energy Conservation Checklist

Do these 25 things to save energy at home

Sometimes, a handful of small changes add up to a much bigger change. With the flick of a switch or a simple update, you can conserve energy and save money in meaningful ways that will add up! We have 25 ideas, large and small, that can help make a difference.Do these 25 things to save energy at home

Kitchen

  1. When you replace appliances, search for EnergyStar appliances. They meet and exceed federal standards, often by a significant amount.
  2. Use smaller appliances when possible. A microwave, slow cooker, or crock pot will always use less energy than a stove or oven.
  3. If you need to use your oven or stove, try to double up. Instead of cooking one casserole, make two or three.
  4. Keep your fridge and freezer full, but not too full. They will run more efficiently than if they are empty or overpacked.
  5. Vacuum your refrigerator coils at least twice a year. This will keep the compressor free of dust and debris, helping the compressor run smoothly.

Bathroom

  1. Install a low-flow showerhead, ASAP. It won’t be noticeable when you shower, but it can save you hundreds on your water bill.
  2. Take showers, not baths. One bath can take as much water as three or four showers, so the savings will add up quickly.
  3. Fix the drips. Leaky faucets and running toilets waste immense amounts of water, and can pose a potential nightmare if they create a water claim.
  4. Set your water heater to 120 degrees. This will keep your family safe from scalding, and save money.
  5. If you have older toilets, think about replacing them with low-flow options. A low flow toilet uses about twenty percent of what an older model uses. This can save a family thousands of gallons of water a year.

Heating

  1. Change your furnace filters monthly.
  2. Have your furnace inspected yearly, both to check for safety and to make sure it is running efficiently.
  3. Keep your heat around 65 degrees at night, and 68 during the day. Big swings in temperature are actually inefficient, so this seems to be a comfortable range.
  4. Look at investing in a programmable thermostat, which can make your temperatures more accurate.
  5. Keep air vents clear and clean, making sure the airflow is not obstructed by furnishings or window coverings.

Cooling

  1. Set your thermostat fan to “auto” so that it doesn’t run nonstop.
  2. Keep your thermostat at 78-80 degrees when away from the home, so that you conserve energy without creating a home that feels like an oven.
  3. Use fans to your advantage. Fans should run counter-clockwise in the summer, and clockwise in the winter.
  4. If you don’t have an AC, consider a whole house attic fan. They cost pennies a day in energy, but can quickly lower the temperature in your home by several degrees.
  5. Be smart about windows- close curtains in locations where sun comes in, and open windows when the air is cooler, in the evening.

Throughout the home

  1. Keep switching those light bulbs to CFL bulbs which last for years.
  2. Unplug small items when not in use, and turn off lights in rooms that are not needed.
  3. Use power strips for your electronics, so that you can simply flick a switch and turn several things off at once.
  4. Use caulk and weatherstripping to keep heat in and get rid of drafts in your home.
  5. Research insulation. Where you use it and the type that you use can save substantial costs and energy, making your home significantly more efficient.

 

These are just a few ideas to get you started in saving energy at home. Whether you implement one or all 25 of these tips, reap the benefits with savings and a more comfortable living space!

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