Project Resources: Eight Great Ways to Save Money on Energy Costs
Project Resources & How-To Guides
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Eight Great Ways to Save Money on Energy Costs
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Weatherstrip Your Home Inside and Out.
If
you add up all of the hidden air leaks in your home, they can equal a
hole the size of an open window! To maximize home efficiency, seal all
the gaps where air can leak in or out, including those around windows,
doors, wiring holes, recessed lights, plumbing vents, your attic hatch,
and more. Stopping drafts can make you feel more comfortable and reduce
energy bills. Sutherlands stocks a huge selection of different products
to seal your home. |
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Install a Programmable Thermostat.
A
programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are away from home
during set periods of time throughout the week. Through proper use of
pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you about
$180 every year in energy costs. (Source: www.energystar.gov) |
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Install Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs.
If
every American home replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR
qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3
million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars. ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs use about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. |
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Check your Furnace Filter regularly.
Check
your filter every month, especially during heavy use months (winter and
summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it. At a
minimum, change the filter every 3 months. A dirty filter will slow
down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool
- wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from
building up in the system - leading to expensive maintenance and/or
early system failure. |
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Check the direction of your Ceiling Fans.
In
the summer, use your ceiling fan in the counter-clockwise direction.
While standing directly under the ceiling fan you should feel a cool
breeze. The airflow produced creates a wind-chill effect, making you
"feel" cooler. In the winter, reverse the motor and operate the ceiling
fan at low speed in the clockwise direction. This produces a gentle
updraft, which forces warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied
space. Remember to adjust your thermostat when using your ceiling fan -
additional energy and dollar savings could be realized with this simple
step! |
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Increase your Attic Insulation.
One
of the most cost-effective ways to make your home more comfortable
year-round is to add insulation to your attic. Adding insulation is
relatively easy. To find out if you have enough attic insulation,
measure the thickness of the insulation. If it is less than R-22 (7
inches of fiber glass or rock wool or 6 inches of cellulose), you could
probably benefit by adding more. Most U.S. homes should have between
R-22 and R-49 insulation in the attic. Find your area's recommended R-Values here |
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Update your Doors and Windows.
New
exterior doors, windows, and skylights save you energy and money,
increase the comfort of your home, and protect your valuable
possessions from sun damage. They are also better for the environment
because lowering your energy use means less air pollution from power
plants. |
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Install a Tankless Water Heater.
Bosch
Tankless water heaters have quickly become the choice for families
demanding endless hot water. With an average life expectancy of more
than 20 years, energy savings of up to 50%, and an endless supply of
hot water, your family will thank you for years to come. |
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Other Insulation Articles: Insulating Your Home
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| Sutherlands provides these project tips and guides as a service to our visitors. Due to possible variance in conditions, equipment, materials and individual skill levels, Sutherlands assumes no responsibility for losses or injuries incurred during maintenance or repair of your property. Sutherlands assumes no liability for errors or omissions in the Resources section of this website. Please read and follow any safety precautions provided by tool and equipment manufacturers, and consult a building professional in your area if you have any questions about a repair project. Always check your local codes before building, and obtain the required building permits. |
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