Low-cost ways to save energyThere are some very low-cost ways to save energy and cut your bills.
- Install low-flow showerheads and sink aerators to reduce hot water use.
- Seal and weatherstrip your windows and doors so the energy you use to heat or cool doesn’t escape through leaks.
| |
|
Dimmer switches.
| Dim a light. |
Save electricity. |
Increase
incandescent
bulb lifespan. |
| 10 percent |
10 percent |
two times |
| 25 percent |
20 percent |
four times |
| 50 percent |
40 percent |
20 times |
| 75 percent |
60 percent |
>20 times |
| Source: Lutron Electronics Co. Inc. |
|
- Wrap insulation around your hot water tank; it costs about $20 and helps keep the heat in the tank. Add pre-cut pipe insulation to exposed pipes that go into your water heater; it's cheap and easy to install. The energy savings should pay for cost of materials in just a few months.
- Duct tape works well on lots of things, but it often fails when used on ductwork! Use special tape like mastic insulation tape to seal all exposed ductwork joints in your attic, crawlspace, and/or basement. This will improve your heating system's efficiency and your comfort.
- Storm windows can reduce heat loss over single-paned windows by 25 - 50 percent during the winter. Plastic sheeting installed on the inside of windows is a less-expensive alternative that is not as effective, but helps.
- With old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs, 90 - 95 percent of the energy they use heats the bulb rather than providing light. That’s why they were the heat source for the original EASY-BAKE oven. These bulbs add unwanted heat to your home (especially in the summer). Replace your five most-used light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and save $60 each year in energy costs. These bulbs use two-thirds less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
- Replace furnace and air conditioner filters monthly. Dirty filters block air flow through these systems, which increases your energy bill and shortens your equipment's lifespan.
- Install motion sensors, dimmers and timers for indoor and outdoor lighting.
- Plant trees to shelter your home from the elements.
- Install ceiling or other fans to cut air conditioning costs.
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