12 Practical Energy Saving Tips
“I just listened to your podcast about waste and was surprised to hear that our energy consumption is so high in America! The problem is, I don’t know where the energy is going, nor do I understand which things I might be doing to use so much. What are some practical energy saving tips? Why do Americans require so much more energy than other countries?”
Waste comes in many forms. Sadly, energy waste is all too common here in the United States.
Here are 4 ways Americans waste energy (as well as what to do about it!).
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Energy Saving Tip #1: Hone in on your home’s holes
The biggest area for heat loss in most homes are drafts within in the walls, windows, and doors. The chimney and electrical outlets, too.
These gaps really add up. By one estimate, just a single 1/8 inch gap under a standard-size wide door will leak just as much air as a 2.5 inch hole through a wall.
Action steps:
GOOD: Install blinds on your windows.
Window shades are one of the simplest ways to save energy (but they need to be drawn all day to work). Mount them as close to the glass as possible within the window frame to create a sealed space.
BETTER: Plug All. The. Holes.
Caulk and seal cracks in your framing. Caulking is a relatively simple, DIY process and if there is concern about it being a too permanent solution, there are short-term sealants available you can peel off in warmer months.
For drafty chimneys, purchase or make a chimney balloon.
Put draft excluders under doors and purchase box extenders to attach to the existing recessed wall boxes to make them easier to seal.
BEST: Replace your old windows.
The Energy Information Administration estimates that up to one-third of the typical home’s heat loss is from drafty windows and doors.
If you’ve been meaning to replace yours, do it sooner rather than later.
Energy Saving Tip #2: Reduce Unnecessary Electricity Use
You already know to unplug appliances when they’re not in use, especially the big ones.
You already know to turn off lights in rooms you’re not in, and you certainly already know that when the time comes to replace big appliances, your best bet is to choose ones that have the blue energy star rating logo.
Action steps:
GOOD: Switch to LEDs.
You’ll save about $7 per year per bulb as opposed to incandescents. Plus, LEDs last 14 to 17 years longer.
BETTER: Turn down your water heater.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates you could shave between up to 22% off your annual energy bill by turning down your water heater from 140° F to 120° F.
Check the manual or with the manufacturer to confirm the proper setting for yours, and know that electric tank water heaters should be set at a high enough temperature to prevent bacteria growth (don’t set it below 120° F!)
BEST: Consider solar.
Roof panels not for you? Look into community solar.
Community solar customers can either buy or lease a portion of the solar panels in an array of community panels; later; they receive an electric bill credit for electricity generated by their share of the community solar system. Win win!
Energy Saving Tip #3: Get comfortable with being a little bit uncomfortable
Instead of turning the thermostat up in the winter, grab a sweater and ask yourself whether you home really needs to be set to 75° F during the colder months.
Action Steps:
GOOD: If you have a larger home, heat by zone.
There are likely rooms you don’t use all that often. By zoning your home you can turn the thermostats down on those rooms and save on heating and cooling costs.
BETTER: Program Your thermostat.
According to Energy Star, a smart thermostat—which can program itself and will save even more energy (and money) by using your smartphone location data to tell whether you’re home or away—can lower your heating and cooling bills by an average of 8 percent, or $50 per year.
Set your programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature when you’re away or asleep.
BEST: Consider a heat pump.
Heat pumps are the cheapest and most efficient way to handle both heating and cooling for your home no matter where you live. They’re also better for the environment: most experts agree they’re one of the best ways for homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint.
A heat pump can save you, on average, nearly $1,000 (6,200 kWh) a year compared with oil heat, or about $500 (3,000 kWh) compared with electrical heating, according to the US Department of Energy.
Here’s a great resource for finding the right heat pump for your home, and be sure to check out the Database of State Incentives For Renewables & Efficiency to see what rebates you’re eligible for.
Energy Saving Tip #4: Drive less
Americans’ greatest contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions comes from transportation, mostly from cars and trucks.
Action Steps:
GOOD: Stay home more (or stay close to home).
BETTER: Rely on public transportation as your FIRST thought.
BEST: Fight for infrastructure improvements in your area.
If there’s a proposal for a new proposal to create a bus rapid transit route in your area, fight for it. Do your part to make sure it passes.
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