How to Clean Up Home Energy Consumption

While your home is one of your greatest assets, it can consume lots of energy, costing you money and contributing to the global warming crisis. Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce your home's energy consumption. By following a few steps, you can put a little extra money in your pocket while helping to preserve the environment. In the end, you will have an energy efficient home.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Unplug your computers and other electronics when they are not in use. Even chargers, for cell phones and PDA's, consume energy when they are not being used.

2. Allow the sun to shine through your windows in the winter. In the summer, block the warm rays using shades or blinds.

3. Check the temperature settings on your refrigerator and freezer. The refrigerator accounts for about 20% of home electricity used. To minimize this consumption, your refrigerator should read between 38 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit. Your freezer should read between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Replace air filters regularly. This will reduce the work your air conditioner and heater have to do during the summer and winter months.

5. Turn down the temperature on your water heater. While water heaters will run efficiently at 120 degrees Fahrenheit, many are set too high at 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Seal leaks or spaces around your windows by caulking. You can also seal spaces around your doors by adding weather stripping.

7. Install a clothes line in your yard. On warm and sunny days, you can dry your clothes outside instead of using your clothes dryer.

Tips & Warnings

• When you replace old appliances, consider buying energy efficient replacements. You can tell if an appliance is energy efficient by looking for the Energy Star Label.
• If you ever decide to build a home or purchase a new home, look for a builder who uses Energy Star Standards.