Replace your refrigerator
This is one of the biggest energy-guzzling appliances in the house, says
Lisa Dornan, spokeswoman for Direct Energy, and there have been big changes in
the efficiency of this appliance over the last five years. "If you look
back at the top-rated refrigerator in 2001 that was Energy Star, and one you'd
buy today with an Energy Star rating, there would be a 20% to 40% difference in
energy efficiency," she says. Her firm, Direct Energy, performs home
energy audits and is an energy retailer. Replacing older dishwashers and dryers
can make a big difference too, she adds.
Install a programmable
thermostat and a timer for the water heater
Just as you would flip off the lights before heading out to work, you
should turn the heating or cooling off or down while you're away. Program the
thermostat for a higher temperature when you're gone in warmer months, or lower
in cooler months. These thermostats can be had for $150 at big-box hardware
stores.
Likewise, don't heat your water when you're not there to use it. "You
definitely want to make sure you are not heating the whole tank
needlessly," Dornan says.
Tankless water heaters can be a great investment too, she adds, but they may
take a few years to pay for themselves.
Put a solar film or solar
shades on the outside of windows to cut the heat
If you're moving into a house with single-paned windows, or living in a
climate with extreme heat, you should consider putting something on the outside
to reflect the light, Arizona home inspector Scott Hubbard says. |
Don't let the heat
escape
Also, caulk window and door frames to make sure they are airtight. And if
possible, use honeycomb-type shades on the inside to trap the heat before it is
absorbed into the room.
Use compact fluorescent
bulbs
This is kind of a no-brainer, experts say, because it's so cheap to
do and saves so much on your electricity bill. "Just for swapping out 10
light bulbs (in my home), I was able to get $400 a year in energy
savings," Dornan says.
Change the filter on
your air conditioner regularly
This monthly maintenance helps it run more efficiently, Dornan says, and
minimizes wear and tear on your unit. Arranging furniture so it doesn't block
air vents also is important to maximize the flow of cooling from your system.
Put in shady landscaping
Planting a tree or some vegetation outside a big window can shade your
house from the strongest rays of the sun and stifle freezing winds. Planting
low-water native plants can also cut your water bill, lowering the total cost
you pay for you home each month.
Invest in an attic fan
These inexpensive fans can make a difference in the temperature of the
whole house and keep your air conditioning from working so hard |