How to Make Your Home Energy Efficient

Everyone can benefit from using less energy in their homes. You save money each month on your power bill, plus you have the happy knowledge that you are helping the environment by making your home more energy efficient. If everyone did a few energy-saving things, the effects on the world would be dramatic. It's a win-win situation!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fluorescent lightbulbs
• Front-load washer and dryer
• Power strips
• Solar panels
• Laptop computer
• Gas oven
• Microwave
• Energy-efficient windows and doors
• Water heater insulation
• Furnace filters
• Caulk
• Lined draperies
• Low-flow shower head

1. Replace all lightbulbs with energy-smart, lower-watt fluorescent bulbs that give off the same amount of light but use less energy and last longer.

2. Buy a front-loading washer and dryer. Or better yet, hang-drying your clothes is the most efficient way to dry.

3. Unplug things when not in use. Or attach many items to one power strip and flip one switch to turn all items off.

4. Turn off lights when you leave a room.

5. Invest in solar panels for your roof to utilize the sun to lower your power bill. The best part is that the panels can actually run your meter backward during the times they make more energy than is being used. An added benefit is that they'll increase your home's value.

6. Switch out your desktop computer for a laptop. It does the same things but uses less power.

7. Use gas ovens and stoves if possible. They give you more heat for less money.

8. Adjust your thermostat to use less energy. Rely on other ways, such as blankets or small electric fans to keep you comfortable. A good guide is to set it at 68 degrees in the winter, 78 degrees in the summer.

9. Zap food in the microwave. It's considerably more efficient than a stove top or the oven.

10. Install Energy Star-rated windows to minimize heat loss.

11. Buy an attachment for your dryer that uses the hot air to heat a room, instead of wasting it and blowing it outside.

12. Insulate your water heater to prevent heat loss. This will help lower your energy bills and keep your home more energy efficient.

13. Replace furnace filters monthly. They are cheap and easy to change.

14. Remove and replace damaged caulk or weather-stripping around windows and doors.

15. Hang lined draperies on your windows. They insulate better than other fabrics.

16. Change showerheads to low-flow models that require less hot water with the same pressure.

17. Opt for showers instead of baths.

18. Use heat-producing appliances during the cooler parts of the day: morning and night.

19. Clean the dryer's lint trap after every load to keep it energy efficient.

Tips & Warnings

• Resist the temptation to constantly change your thermostat. Set it at one temperature and leave it. Keeping up with the constant change uses more energy than it costs to maintain a steady temperature.