How to Save Energy and Electricity

Compact fluorescent light bulbs are more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs.

Conserving electric energy means money in your pocket. The average home has a number of elements that can be improved that will, in turn, improve energy efficiency and reduce consumption. Putting out some upfront investment money can save money over the long term.

Things You'll Need

• CFL light bulbs
• Energy Star refrigerator
• Weather stripping
• Low-E glazing
• Vacuum cleaner

Instructions

1. Turn off or turn down your furnace and air conditioner when you are not at home. The electrical consumption of a central heating and cooling system represents a significant portion of your overall use. Use the system only when you are at home and need it, rather than let it run all day

2. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFL). These small fluorescent light bulbs don't use as much energy as old-fashioned light bulbs and last longer. They also don't produce as much heat as incandescent light bulbs, so they can have a small impact on the energy consumption necessary for cooling your home.

3. Invest in a new refrigerator if your current model was manufactured before 1993. The refrigerator is one of the biggest consumers of electricity in the home, and new models use significantly less electricity. You could potentially save more than $200 a year on your electric bill by replacing a 1970s refrigerator with a more recent Energy Star model.

4. Lower the thermostat on your water heater. Many water heater thermostats are set at temperatures in excess of 140 degrees. Resetting the temperature between 115 and 120 degrees will still provide you with acceptably hot water, but will also decrease the amount of electricity used. You also get the benefit of reducing the potential for accidental scalding.

5. Energy can be easily lost through windows that are not properly insulated. Weather-stripping windows can reduce the amount of heating and cooling power that is wasted daily. Increase energy savings further by investing in low-E glazing on your windows, which can more than double the efficiency of regular double-glazed windows through the addition of a reflective film between the panes.

6. Increase the efficiency of your clothes dryer and save a good chunk of money by maintaining it against lint buildup that can reduce efficiency by 50 percent. Replace flexible ducts with rigid metal ducts to increase air flow. Clean the lint filter before every use and regularly vacuum out the lint chute. Vacuum the area beneath the drum inside the dryer once a year. Replace an outside dryer vent that doesn't close tightly. A well-sealed vent keeps cold air outside during the winter and warm air outside during the summer.

References

• Energystar.gov: Refrigerator Efficiency
• "Save Energy, Save Money;" Spiker Carlsen, Ed.; 2008
• "The Homeowner's Handbook to Energy Efficiency;" John Krigger and Chris Dorsi; 2008