Ten Low- to No-Cost Energy Saving
Tips for the Home
Energy conservation is again on everyone’s mind. As energy
costs go up, attention to lowering energy usage rises
correspondingly. While there are numerous things that can
be done to lower utility bills, here’s a list of 10 low
-
to no-cost
solutions.
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1.) Adjust the thermostat.
Keep the thermostat at an
energy efficient and comfortable setting during the
day and readjust at night and while you are away. Wear
appropriate clothing to keep comfortable. Better yet,
buy a programmable thermostat so you don’t have
to remember! Try 68 F in the winter and 78 F in the
summer when you are awake. Adjust the temperature
down in the winter and up in the summer when you
are asleep or away from home.
2.) Replace conventional light bulbs with new energy-
efficient bulbs.
New light bulb technologies are flood
-
ing the market. Depending on the bulb you choose,
you can save 75 to 80 percent of the energy needed.
And for maximum conservation, turn off lights when
you leave a room and turn outside lights off during the
day. Use natural daylight whenever possible.
3.) Unplug unused appliances and electronics.
Many small appliances and electronics still use power, even
when turned off. This is especially true if they have a
light or clock that stays on. Unplug them when they
are not being used, or plug several (like TVs, DVD play
-
ers, cable boxes, etc.) into power strips, and turn power
off at the power strip. This also includes phone char
-
gers when not in use.
4.) Lower the hot water temperature.
Most hot water
heaters are set at 140 F. Turn the temperature down
to 120 F. Not only is this recommended for safety in
preventing scalding, but it also cuts water heating cost
by 6 to 10 percent.
5.) Wash clothes in cold water.
Clothing today is made
from a variety of fibers that do well with cold water
washing. Water heating accounts for 90 percent of the
energy used by washing machines. Unless the laundry
load contains diapers or stained work clothes, cold wa
-
ter should work well. To save even more, use a clothes
-
line instead of the dryer on a sunny day.
6.) Replace your shower head.
Standard shower heads
use up to 8 gallons of hot, steaming water per minute.
With a new, low-flow shower head, you will only use 1
to 2 gallons of water per minute. Faucet aerators cost
about $5 and work much the same way. You probably
won’t notice a difference, but you will on your utility bill
7.) Seal air leaks.
Reducing the amount of air that leaks in
and out of your home is one of the most cost-effective
things you can do to cut heating and cooling costs.
Caulking and weather stripping are two simple and
effective air-sealing techniques that will pay back their
cost, usually within a year or less.
8.) Replace or clean your heating-cooling system’s
filter.
All forced air systems have filters that keep dust
and dirt from blowing throughout the house. Once
the filter becomes full of dust and dirt, air movement
is restricted. This restriction makes the heating-cooling
system less efficient and can eventually damage the
entire system. Check filters monthly. Replace disposable
filters, clean reusable filters, or do both as needed.
9.) Manage appliance usage.
a.
Clean refrigerator coils regularly to keep the
compressor running efficiently — the dirtier
the coils, the more energy is being used.
b.
Set refrigerator temperature at 36 F to 39 F
and freezer temperature at 0 F to 5 F.
c.
Use the microwave when possible. It cooks
faster and doesn’t create as much heat as the
range, which is especially important in the
summer when running the air conditioner.
d.
Replace worn-out seals on the refrigerator,
freezer and oven.
e.
Air-dry dishes instead of using the dishwash
-
er’s heat drying option.
f.
Run your dishwasher and clothes washer only
when full.
g.
Match the size of your pot or pan to the size of
the burner. Using a burner that is too big for
your cooking utensil is a fire hazard as well as
a waste of energy.
h.
Make sure your dryer’s outside vent is clear,
and clean the lint filter after every load.
i.
Consider replacing older model appliances
with Energy Star appliances (and moving the
old refrigerator into the garage or basement
isn’t going to save you any money!).
j.
Use the oven light to check on food when
cooking or baking, which is more energy ef
-
ficient than opening the oven door.
k.
Dry one load of clothes immediately after
another to minimize heat loss.
l.
Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator before
cooking
10.) Conduct an energy audit.
A home energy audit helps you
determine where your house is
losing energy and money — and
how to correct these problems in
order to make your home more
energy efficient. Some audits are
available online, but the best au
-
dit is conducted by a professional
technician, often called an energy
auditor. Contact your local utility
to find out how to get an energy
audit where you live.
Seal Air Leaks
• Caulking — Use in gaps that are 1/4 inch or smaller.
• Spray foam — Use in gaps that are 1/4 inch to 3 inches.
• Foam board, fiberglass, etc. — Use in larger openings.
• Weather stripping tape — Use around doors and windows.
• Weatherizing plastic — Install on windows.
• Foam gaskets — Use in light switches and electrical outlets on exterior walls.
• Fireplace flues — Keep closed when no fire.
• Towels or door-sweeps — Use under doors.
ag.tennessee.edu SP 741-C 04/14-10M 14-0186R12-5120-101-027-14 Programs in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and resource development. University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture and county governments cooperating. UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.