FALL
t n e m e v o r p m I e m Ho
AN EDITION OF THE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
2017 ENERGY-SAVING
By Melissa Erickson More Content Now
L
ook around your house. If you have to replace a leaky faucet, install new windows or tackle other home improvements, it pays to go green. A first step to finding the biggest bang for your buck for your specific home and climate zone can be obtaining a home energy assessment, according to the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. A certified home energy professional evaluates the home and identifies and prioritizes improvements, which usually includes sealing air leaks before adding insulation materials. For many homes, particularly older homes, this first step has the greatest impact and best return. The priority list you get from an energy assessment should guide your home energy-efficiency improvements going forward. Here are some suggestions from the EERE that will lower utility costs:
tricks
10 percent Use advanced power strips that can prevent electronics from drawing power when they aren’t being used. Features such as timers, activity monitors and remotes provide options that make it easy to save energy. Many consumer electronics continue to draw power even when they are switched off. This could add an extra 10 percent to your monthly utility bill.
18 to 30 percent Set your television to the “home” or “standard” setting to reduce the brightness and reduce your TV’s energy use by 18 to 30 percent.
10 to 15 percent
20 to 25 percent
Replacing old room air conditioners or central air conditioners with Energy Star models can reduce your energy use by 10 and 15 percent, respectively.
Replace your incandescent light bulbs with CFLs or light-emitting diodes. Energy Star-qualified LEDs use only about 20 to 25 percent of the energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Be sure to read the packaging to make sure the lighting product is designed for the fixture or lamp you intend to use it with.
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10 percent You can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day from its normal setting. The percentage of savings is greater for buildings in milder climates than for those in more severe climates.
rather than your large stove or oven. A toaster or convection oven uses one-third to one-half as much energy as a full-sized oven. Use pressure cookers and microwave ovens whenever it is convenient. They will save energy by significantly reducing cooking time.
Recycle If you have an old second refrigerator or freezer, recycle it, particularly if you don’t store very much in it or if it is in unconditioned space. These are big energy hogs. If you aren’t using it at all, at least unplug it.
1/3 to 1/2 If you cook small meals, use small electric pans, toaster ovens or convection ovens
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