Energy Conservation Tips

Conserve energy and save money by using the following tips, courtesy of the Energy Entrepreneur Top-10 List (Jeff Barber and Robert O. Weagley, Ph.D., CFP)

  • Change lights to new fluorescent lamps and fixtures and consider upgrading to LED lights. LED lights do cost more, but they produce no heat and you’ll receive a payback in less than 3 years.
  • Seal heating and cooling ducts
  • Upgrade to Energy Star when replacing an appliance or heat pump,or water heater.  Energy Star is quickly becoming the minimum energy conservation standard.
  • Upgrade to a programmable thermostat
  • Install an R-12 water heater insulation jackettoday; if replacement of the water heater is needed, consider tankless models, which have come down in price and are now widely available.
  • Weatherize and seal your home to limit air changes to less than 0.5 per hour. If you have an older house, consider replacing all windows and insulation alongside the windows. Look for tax credits that are available to help offset some of the costs associated with weatherization.
  • Increase wall and attic insulation to 1997 Department of Energy recommended levels.Don't forget about a couple key locations: the top 3 feet of your basement wall and the rim board in your floor joists near ground level. These are places where an estimated 1/3 of the energy is lost in your home., insulate outside. Insulate walls on the inside, and if possible, dig down in the ground.
  • Minimize the use of portable electric heaters, extra refrigerators/freezers, heat bulbs (check recessed lighting fixtures), and turn off all computers before going to bed.

Look to the following resources for more energy conservation tips!