10 Tips to Help Homeowners Achieve the Best Possible Energy Savings in their Homes.
"The biggest savings comes from the heating and air conditioning systems, insulation, air sealing, duct sealing, windows, and doors, but the way that residents manage their power is important as well."
-Bob Callender, vice president for programs at NYSERDA
1. Electronics that have earned the ENERGY STAR use up to 60 percent less energy than other electronics. To save more energy, be sure to enable the power management features on computers and power management compatible electronics products.
2. Unplug seldom-used items from the wall, or plug all electronics into a power strip and turn off the power strip when you leave. Electronics like DVD players, CD players, and cell phone chargers use 40 percent of their energy when they are in the "off" position. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the average family spends $100 a year to power electronics that are in standby mode.
3. Switch to energy-efficient lighting. ENERGY STAR qualified lighting products are cool to the touch, produce less heat, use 75 percent less energy, and last up to 10 times longer than a standard incandescent bulb. Switching to one ENERGY STAR qualified compact florescent light bulb (CFL) saves $30 in energy costs and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by almost 700 pounds over its lifetime.
4. Upgrade decorative or holiday lighting with energy-efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) Holiday Lighting strands. LED Holiday Lighting also lasts up to 11 holiday seasons, rarely burns out and can save homeowners over $30 per year on their energy bills.
6. Run the dishwasher and clothes washer with full loads. Wash clothes in cold water and use the air-dry option instead of the auto-dry feature on the dishwasher.
7. Position the refrigerator away from heat sources such as the oven, dishwasher, or direct sunlight, while leaving a space between the walls or cabinets and the refrigerator so that the air can circulate. Also clean the refrigerator coils at least twice a year and limit the amount of time the refrigerator door is open.
8. Lower water heater temperature to 120 degrees. Not only does this save energy, it is safer for small children.
9. An ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat regulates cooling and heating systems. Programmable thermostats automatically reduce the temperature during the times residents are at work and bring it back to the preferred level about half an hour before their scheduled return. That way, residents don't pay as much to heat an empty home. Residents should be sure to program their preferred settings as soon as they move in.
10. In the summer, shut all windows blinds during the day to keep the sun from overheating the home. In the winter, leave the blinds open for the extra warmth that doesn't add to gas bills.
- Excerpt from The Empire State Builder, 2009
(Learn more about NYSERDA at www.getenergysmart.org)