Simple Steps to Greater Energy Efficiency
The very best time to do an energy-efficiency remodel is probably in 2009 and 2010 because of the very significant tax credits offered by the Federal Government for qualifying upgrades. But you might not be in a position to take on another debt or to lay out the cash right now. If you cannot take on a major energy efficiency remodel, there are still simple steps to greater energy efficiency you can take.
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A study conducted in California in 2008 found that homes built before 1983 were responsible for 70% of the greenhouse emissions related to single family home envelope energy consumption. A study by the remodeling industry also concluded that we would be more successful in reducing residential energy consumption if we remodeled and retrofitted the older homes across the country than anything we could do to newer homes. Whether your home was built before 1983 or not, there are some things every homeowner can do to improve the energy efficiency of their home and reduce operating costs of many appliances.
Here are some simple steps to greater energy efficiency every homeowner can take:
1. Check the entire house for places where air can leak out of or sneak into your house.  Look for cracks in the siding, spaces around doors, window air conditioners, windows, places where pipes enter the house, switch plates and electrical outlets, fireplaces, drains, skylights, attic access points (like hatches), dryer vents, and even around locks and deadbolts. You might be able to feel the air on a cold or hot day. Another way to detect leaks is to use a lighter or a match. These can be repaired fairly quickly and easily with caulking and weather stripping.
2. Create and follow a schedule for routine maintenance and efficiency steps for your appliances. In particular, perform these tasks routinely:
- Change the air filter in your heating/cooling system at least every three months. A clean system uses less energy.
- Drain one quart of water from your water heater tank every three months. This will remove sediment that could interfere with efficient heating of the water.
- Clean the lint trap in your dryer after every use. The lint will interfere with air flow and cause it to take longer to dry your clothes.
- Have your heating/cooling system checked and cleaned every year by a professional. If you have a maintenance contract, this is probably included.
- Do an annual check of the closures on all major appliances – refrigerator and freezer door seals, oven, microwave, dryer doors, etc.
- Clean coils in appliances that heat or cool air or water annually.
3. Think smart about how you use appliances. For example:
· Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible to cut the energy used in half.
· Reset the temperature on your water heater to 120° Fahrenheit. This is as hot as it needs to be for a dishwasher.
· Choose the cycle on your dishwasher that dries dishes with cool air instead of heat, or turn it off when the washing cycles are finished.
· Switch to a programmable thermostat and try to live with a slightly higher or lower temperature according to the season. Keep in mind that 1 degree of difference can lower your heating/cooling cost by 1 to 3 percent.
· When preparing meals, get everything you will need out of the refrigerator and/or freezer at once. Every time you open the door, you increase the cost of operation.
· Instead of keeping the house as warm at night, turn the heat down and use an electric blanket or foot warmer. Better yet, use a hot water bottle.
· Unplug chargers for electronic devices when they are not in use.
· Switch to compact fluorescent bulbs in lights.
· Try to plan meals so you don’t use the oven every night.
· Use plants instead of air filters to clean the air.
These simple steps to greater energy efficiency are some basic actions you can take to save energy, reduce your power bill, help to save the environment, and save money every month. Give it a try, and prepare to be surprised by the savings!
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