20 Ways to Save Energy
Saving energy doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. There are a number of low-cost ways you can make energy-saving changes around your home.
20 Ways to Save Energy
1. Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).
CFLs use 60% to 75% less energy than a regular bulb. Changing your bulbs is estimated to save about 300 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.
2. Move your thermostat down 2 to 5 degrees in winter and up to 2 to 5 degrees in summer.
You could save about 10% in cooling and heating costs, and save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.
3. Replace or clean the filters on your heater and air conditioner regularly.
Your heating and cooling equipment will run more efficiently, saving you money and cutting about 350 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.
4. Wrap your water heater in an insulating blanket and turn the setting down to 120 degrees.
Water heating accounts for about 13% of a home’s energy costs. Plus an insulating blanket can save 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year, and resetting the thermostat saves another 550 pounds.
5. Reduce water use.
Electricity is used to pump, transport and treat water. Install faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads and low-flush toilets to save water.
6. Wash clothes in cold water when possible.
About 90% of the energy used in a washing machine goes to water heating.
7. Run the dishwasher and clothes washer only with full loads.
Fewer loads reduce energy and water use.
8. Unplug electronics, battery chargers and other small equipment when not being used.
Even when turned off, cell phone and other chargers, as well as things like hairdryers, use energy if plugged in.
9. Turn off lights when you leave a room.
10. Buy recycled paper products.
It takes 70% to 90% less energy to make recycled paper and reduces the loss of trees.
11. Recycle at home.
12. Plant a tree.
A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime, and the shade from trees in landscaping can reduce air conditioning use.
13. Get a home energy audit.
Check with your local utility. Many offer this free serve to find where your home is energy inefficient so you can pinpoint where you can make changes.
14. Weatherize your home.
Add weather stripping around doors and windows, caulk around ducts and other openings and seal larger gaps to reduce drafts and air leakage.
15. Install a programmable thermostat
Look for one with the Energy Star label. It can save as much as $115 a year in energy costs. Energy Star products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. government.
16. Replace older appliances with Energy Star rated appliances.
These appliances are much more energy efficient than older models.
17. Install high efficiency windows.
They are 40% more efficient than standard windows. Other options are double-pane windows and Energy Star windows.
18. Insulate your home, or upgrade your insulation.
Insulate walls, ceilings and attics to save on heating and air conditioning bills.
19. Install a heat pump if you use electricity to heat your home and live in a moderate climate.
This is the most efficient form of electric heating. There are three types to choose from.
20. Explore solar energy systems
Solar systems use far less energy and can save homeowners as much as 50% in electricity bills. The federal government and a number of states offer rebates and/or incentives for installing such systems.
Energy Conservation at Home
Saving energy at home can help save you money. If you want to undertake major home efficiency projects, you may need some initial funds to get you started. Countrywide offers a wide range of mortgage refinance and home equity loan options. Call our loan consultants today at 1-866-436-0620 for a free, no-obligation loan consultation.
