Ten most effective ways we have found to run a more energy efficient home without spending a bundle of money. With the exception of numbers one and nine, these are easy projects for the do-it-yourselfer; materials and products available at specialty and hardware stores your area.
- Shade your windows and skylights. There are a variety of choices available including sunscreens, tinting, vegetation, and awnings.
- Use your ceiling and floor fans. Remember, fans only cool the person, not the room. Don’t waste energy by leaving them on in empty rooms.
- Change your air filters monthly. Replace them with 1” paper pleated filters every time you pay your electric bill.
- Caulk behind electrical plates. Secure the junction boxes to the wall material in all outlets and switches located on exterior walls.
- Repair loose weather stripping. Go outside on a hot day and feel around your doors and windows for cold indoor air that may be escaping.
- Investigate the most economical electric plans. Verify that you are purchasing your electricity using the most economical plan available to your home size lifestyle.
- Adequately insulate and ventilate your attic. Verify that the attic insulation has a rating of R-40 and that your attic has sufficient ventilation. Ridge venting is the most effective.
- Use timers on your hot water heaters.
- Clean condensing coils. All appliances with compressors (refrigerator, freezer, etc) have coils that should be cleaned at least once a year (a/c unit once per 7-10 years).
- Clean your cleaning machines. Run full loads only in your dishwasher and washing machine. Clean your dryer vent at least once per year (quarterly if it is a vertical vent over 10’).
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