How To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

I recently read an article about a science teacher who wanted to see how low he could cut his power bill. His success was so remarkable, that the power company took notice and suspected him of tampering with his meter. Many of the things he did were simple things that any of us could do easily.

1. Insulation. This is a broad topic and I'll be exploring more of this in a later post but for now I'll keep it simple. It's also #1 for a reason, though, as lost conditioned air makes us run our HVAC more than we should.

a. Outlet Pads - These are foam insulation pads that you can buy at most hardware stores. Simply install under your outlet or light switch covers to prevent air moving into or out from between the walls, especially on exterior walls.

b. Fill in the Gaps - Check under the sinks for gaps around plumbing. You'd be surprised how large some of these can be and still go unnoticed. Not only do these gaps allow cool damp air from your crawlspace to flow into your home, but may also be a little thoroughfare for unwanted critters. For larger gaps stuff with steel wool (to help prevent critters from chewing through) and cover with aluminum sided insulating tape. Smaller gaps can be filled with insulating foam.

c. Cover your insulation - Flooring your attic will increase its "R" value, but if you don't have the resources for that at the moment you can buy rolls of heavy plastic to roll out and staple to the joists with a heavy duty staple gun. This can be done in the attic and the crawl-space to help keep the conditioned air in the living space. You don't want the plastic to be airtight as some air should flow from crawlspace to attic (you also don't want to trap moisture in), just to slow it down.

d. Check Your Attic Access - Whether you have pull down stairs or a hatch, check for drafts. Weather-stripping is your quickest, most economical, choice. However, some people's access just won't seal due to warps or what have you, in this case I recommend insulated covers which are pretty cheap (about $30) and easy to install.

e. Check Your Chimney Flue - If you notice a draft coming from the fireplace, I recommend installing a top sealing chimney damper. These actually close off your chimney at the top (no more dead birds to dispose of every winter) and are spring loaded so exceptionally easy to open and close. Very easy to install (if you don't mind going up on the roof, otherwise call a professional) and cost as low as $125.

f. Check the Doors and Windows - Apply weather stripping where needed and fill gaps in the casings if you find any. For older doors and windows consider replacing with their more modern, energy efficient alternatives.

g. Check the Outside - Walk around the exterior of your home. Look for any gaps around exterior faucets, outlets, etc. Fill with a silicon sealant to keep the water out too.

2. Switch out your bulbs - Though slightly more expensive at purchase, fluorescent light bulbs are extremely long lived and energy efficient, you'll more than make up the cost in savings on your power bill.

3. Install a Programmable Thermostat - A programmable thermostat can be set to not heat or cool as much when you're not home to enjoy it, saving you hundreds of dollars a year. Not too shabby for a $30 investment!

4. Fill empty space in refrigerator and freezer with jugs of water. The mass will conserve the temperature in addition to taking up air space that warm air can occupy when you open the door. A full refrigerator and freezer are much more energy efficient that empty ones.

5. Unplug electrical appliances that are seldom used, say in a guest bed-room. Even when they aren't running, appliances will slowly "leak" electrical current.

6. Wait to do full loads of dishes and laundry. Additionally, when doing laundry, use the correct setting for the amount of laundry you're doing.

7. When you have to buy new appliances, always shop around for the ones that are the most energy efficient. After all, you'll probably have them for many years, and the savings will add up.