|
Charting a path toward energy conservation As energy prices rise, consumers are becoming more educated about their energy use. As a result, more people are pursuing energy efficiency and conservation in their homes. But before you make a major investment in your home’s efficiency, it’s important to lay out a plan. The conservation pyramid lays out an intelligent course that will result in your home making the best use of energy. Begin at the base of the pyramid to discover simple and inexpensive ways to become more efficient. As you move up the pyramid you’ll gradually develop a home that wastes minimal energy. The more thoroughly you complete each step, the greater the reward will be with future improvements. It’s important to keep your energy efficiency efforts in perspective. Very few people will complete the entire pyramid, so it might help to view it as a guide for continually measuring your home’s efficiency. Energy efficiency should be a part of the usual home improvement efforts, right alongside maintenance, siding, paint and décor. |
Like any major undertaking, it’s important to do your research. Take a look at your last year’s worth of energy bills and identify times of year when energy use is particularly high. Then take it a step further and buy an electric monitor to measure the electricity used by each of your devices.
These are the easiest changes, but can make a big difference on your energy bills; they include such simple actions as turning down the thermostat in the winter, keeping doors shut, turning unused lights off and shutting off the faucet when you aren’t using it.
Rid your home of standard incandescent bulbs and halogen lamps. Use only compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs); they use one-tenth of the electricity of standard bulbs.
Seal drafts with weather stripping, caulking or window film to keep the outside air out. Use foil tape (not duct tape) to seal your ductwork – especially areas such as joints, elbows and connections.
Learn how much energy your appliances are using by visiting www.ENERGYSTAR.gov. It may be cost-effective to invest in a newer, more efficient model.
Heating and cooling are expensive; don’t let conditioned air escape. Use insulation with an R value of 45 or more in the ceiling and attic, and 20 or more in the walls.
Many manufacturers set water heaters at 140 degrees, but most households only need them set at 120 degrees. For each 10 degree reduction in water heater temperature, you can save 3-5% in energy costs.
Improve your efficiency by regularly replacing your air filter, and research whether it’s time for a more efficient furnace or air conditioner – or, better yet, a geothermal or air-source heat pump.
Old windows can tarnish the efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment. New windows are a major investment, but will result in a more efficient home.
Once your home uses energy as efficiently as possible – only then should you consider generating your own electricity. A rooftop solar panel or small wind turbine can offset some of your electrical costs. Best of all, the power will go a long way in your super-efficient home!
