1. Compact Fluorescent (CF) Lights
One inexpensive and easy-to-implement idea is to consider converting the light bulbs in the house from incandescent to compact fluorescent (CF). CF lights will save the homeowner $30 in energy costs over the lifetime of a single bulb. CF bulbs use 75% less energy to produce the same amount of light. Because they are also cooler, producing only 25% of the heat of a conventional light bulb, they save even more energy by decreasing the workload on the air conditioner.
2. Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats can save $150 in energy costs per year by adjusting temperature settings to save energy while homeowners are away or sleeping.
3. Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can reduce heating and cooling costs. Ceiling fans that are reversible can either draw warm air up to the ceiling, or push warm air near the ceiling down lower to the floor. Running the air conditioner less means decreased energy consumption, and therefore lower utility costs. In winter, with the fan circulating the air in a downward motion, the fan does circulate warm air downward. The benefit may be offset, however, by the air movement. The air causes evaporation of perspiration and thus skin cooling.
4. Insulation and Sealing Air Leaks
Sealing air leaks and improving insulation is one of the most cost effective ways to save energy. Proper insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by 20%, and overall annual utility costs by 10%.
5. Refrigerators
Energy Star refrigerators use just 40% of the energy of a refrigerator model made in 2001, and half the energy of refrigerators made prior to 1993! An older refrigerator may be responsible for the greatest percentage of a household’s energy requirements, especially ones kept in the garage. The energy saved by buying a newer model is equivalent to the energy needed to light the average household for nearly four months.
6. Dishwashers
Older dishwashers, made before 1994, are costly to run. They require more water, are less efficient to run, and use more electricity to heat the water. Replacing an older model dishwasher with an Energy Star dishwasher can save $30 a year in utility costs.
7. Clothes Washer
Replacing a clothes washer made before 1994 with an Energy Star clothes washer can save $110 per year on utility bills and use about 60% of the water used by older washers. Front loading machines are more energy efficient than top loading machines. Front loading machines use less water. They also have higher spin speeds, decreasing the moisture content and thus decreasing the time needed to dry the clothes.
8. Windows
Replacing single pane windows with Energy Star certified windows can save $125 to $450 a year in energy costs. Remodeling online reports that a whole house window upgrade costs about $10,160, but adds $8,500 to the value of the home.
9. Central Air Conditioning
Upgrading to an Energy Star central air conditioning system can improve efficiency and save money. Potential buyers want to know that the basic, most costly house components (i.e., roof, windows, central air units, heating system, etc.) will not need repair or replacement soon. A Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rates central air conditioners. Energy star models are approximately 14% more efficient than standard models, making them less costly to run. Replacing a central air unit may cost $2,500-5,000, but may increase the value of your home and may save your house time on the market. Time is money!
10. Furnace
Like central air units, upgrading to an Energy Star furnace can also save money on utility bills. Furnaces are rated by an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). Some Energy Star rated furnace models can result in a savings as great as 15% over a standard model. Replacing a furnace may cost $2,500-5,000, but may increase the value of your home AND may save your house time on the market. Again, time is money!
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