Looking for lots of ideas on how to save energy? You’ve come to the right place. Here are two dozen tips in three sections:
Savings without spending a dime
1. Practice thermostat control. During the heating season, it’s estimated that you can save about 2 percent on the heating bill for every degree you lower the thermostat.
2. Use night setbacks in heating season. A 10-degree night setback while you’re in bed can work wonders on the bill.
3. Get a handle on hot water use. If you have a choice on your clothes washer or dishwasher, use the Energy Saver mode. If you use liquid laundry detergent, washing clothes in cold water can result in big savings. And cold water rinsing is just as effective as warm. Run your dishwasher only when it’s full.
4. Turn down a too-high water heater thermostat. For most households, 120°F water is just right … about halfway between the low and medium settings.
5. Don’t heat or cool rooms that are not in use.
6. Opt for a shower (the shorter the better) instead of a bath. Baths use twice as much water.
7. To keep your home cool, adjust shades, blinds and draperies to block the sun’s hot summer rays. Let hot air out with attic vents and make sure soffit vents are not blocked. This keeps you and your attic cooler, and it also extends the life of your shingles.
8. Clean heating system filters regularly.
9. After your fireplace fire has been cold a couple of hours, close the vent. Warm air rises … so will your bill. Why heat the great out-of-doors?
10. Turn off your computer and other home electronics when not in use. Today, computer experts agree that turning a computer on and off a couple times a day causes no harm. Related tips:
- Turn off your monitor rather than using a screen saver. Screen savers save the phosphors in your screen, but do not save energy. Turning off the monitor does both.
- Use the “sleep” setting on your computer to automatically turn off your monitor and/or computer when you are not using it. Many newer computers also have a “hibernate” mode, which saves your current state (e.g., open programs and documents) and shuts down the computer. When you restart your computer, all your documents open up where you left them.
- Don’t underestimate standby power losses from electronic device transformers and battery chargers. Unplug these when not in use to save an estimated 5 percent of the devices rated consumption.
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Small investments that can reap big dividends
11. Programmable thermostat — You may need to upgrade your existing thermostat to maximize energy efficiency. Newer models have “smart” features built in that can automatically provide night setbacks and other important features. Before purchase, make sure you review your heating system operations manual as there are many types of thermostats and each is tailored to specific systems. If necessary, ask a qualified heating-cooling contractor to install your thermostat to ensure optimum performance.
12. Compact fluorescent bulbs — High-quality compact fluorescent bulbs come in a variety of models for just about any use. They cost more than incandescent, but they last a whole lot longer … and can save energy. A typical 100-watt incandescent might be rated for 750 hours, while a comparable 25-watt fluorescent is 10,000 hours. The outdoor models are perfect for those porch lights that are on for long periods and often awkward to replace. Visit our section on compact fluorescent bulbs for more information.
13. Caulking and weatherstripping — A small investment in caulk and weatherstripping around exterior doors or windows can make a difference. Take half a Saturday, your trusty caulk gun, and stop energy waste. Pay attention to pipes, telephone wires, anything at all that enters the house. Make sure they are sealed tight. Pay particular attention to exterior doors. There are a variety of ways to stop air leakage around doors. Your local retailer will have a good choice of threshold weatherstripping, door sweeps and jamb weatherstripping materials. Carefully measure and follow installation instructions carefully.
14. Summer cool down — A window exhaust fan is a good idea, but a larger attic whole-house exhaust fan, thermostatically controlled, is a real plus in summer. It can help cool things down without central air conditioning.
15. High-efficiency showerheads and water control devices — New showerheads are required to meet a 2.5 gallon-per-minute standard, but there are many older models still in place. If you can squeeze the gallons per minute to lower than 2.5, it means you’re saving even more money. Also, faucet aerators, including the types that have a shut-off valve built in, can stop waste of water while you’re rinsing dishes. And, don’t forget leaky faucets: It doesn’t cost much to fix ’em, and they can be big energy wasters.
16. Water heater wrap — Despite all the advances in better insulated water heaters, it still pays to wrap a water heater, especially if it is located in an unheated space. Special water heater kits are available at retail hardware stores where heaters are sold. Just follow the instructions. (Tip: While you’re wrapping up for energy savings, strap up for earthquake safety. Securing your water heater against earthquake tipping is a smart move.)
17. Fireplace pillow — An open fireplace can be a giant energy waster. Today you can purchase a plastic, inflatable “pillow” that inserts into the chimney to stop heat from escaping. You blow it up (usually just by mouth), and it is easily removable when you want to build a fire. Find out more by contacting your local fireplace dealer or search online for the nearest vendor.
18. Air infiltration — Help prevent inclement outside air from entering by sealing gaps and holes around your home. See our Sealing Air Leaks page for more info.
19. Outlet gaskets — Help prevent outside air from sneaking through the openings for your electric outlets and switches with outlet gaskets.
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Larger investments with big payoffs
20. Get a free energy audit from Energy Trust of Oregon to guide you before making any major investment in insulation, heating, ventilation or other improvements. An energy advisor will come to your home, recommend energy-saving measures specific to your home and install FREE compact fluorescent light bulbs, faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads. To schedule an energy audit, call 866-ENTRUST or 866-368-7878.
21. When replacing appliances, buy premium-efficiency models. There is no question that an energy-smart major appliance purchase (refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers, heating systems) can generate significant dollar savings over the lifetime of the appliance. Why pay $20-$30 more per year than is necessary? There’s a ton of good information on energy-efficient appliances from the
Oregon Department of Energy Web site. But here are some basics on shopping for an energy-efficient model:
- All major energy-using appliances are required by the Federal Trade Commission to include a yellow and black label on each appliance that gives consumers a good idea how that respective model performs. Look for these labels on refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers, water heaters, furnaces, boilers, central air conditioners, room air conditioners, heat pumps and pool heaters. The estimated annual operating cost posted on the label is a composite price based on national averages. Calculate your savings using your local utility electric rates. See our residential service rate schedule (PDF).
- On many appliances look for an ENERGY STAR® logo. The ENERGY STAR program is operated by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. ENERGY STAR labels are on those appliances that these government agencies feel meet high levels of energy efficiency than the average comparable model.
22. When replacing your furnace, consider a heat pump.
It’s the most efficient way to heat and cool your home. Visit our Heat Pumps section to learn about the many advantages of high-efficiency heat pumps, including ductless models that work in any home.
23. If it’s time to replace your heating and cooling system, use our handy Energy Comparison Tool to find the most energy-efficient system. You can quickly compare the annual energy use and operating costs. The tool allows you to estimate the amount of time (simple payback period) it will take to recover your cost for a new system or the incremental cost for purchasing a more efficient system.
24. Upgrade drafty single-pane or old double-pane windows.
Look for ENERGY STAR-certified windows. They cut heat loss through windows by 50 percent to 75 percent in winter. For more guidance, use this handy fact sheet for selecting energy-efficient windows in Oregon (PDF) developed by the Efficient Windows Collaborative, a project of the Alliance to Save Energy. It explains the energy ratings and compares energy costs you can expect with different types of windows.
You can claim a tax credit covering 30 percent of the cost, up to $1,500. Visit the ENERGY STAR Web site for qualifying guidelines. If you’re doing other energy-savings improvements, you also may be eligible for a cash incentive from Energy Trust of Oregon.
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