Home Energy Savings

Breadcrumbs

Home / Home / Home Energy Savings

Home Energy Savings

Trico's Quick Tips for Energy Savings

What uses the most energy in a home?

Heating and air conditioning - 56%
Electric water heater - 16%
Refrigerator - 5%
Miscellaneous appliances - 23%

Main factors affecting power usage:

Climate
Building envelope and systems, e.g., how well insulated a home or building is
Daily habits and behaviors

Where do you use the most energy? Use the energy calculator to find out.
If you want a more detailed analysis, conduct a home energy audit.

Now that you know where energy is used most, you can take steps to lower your energy usage and your energy bill.

No Cost Energy Savings Ideas

In warm weather, keep drapes and blinds closed during the day to keep out heat
Make sure the fireplace damper is closed when the fireplace is not in use
In the summer, set the thermostat to 78-degrees or more; in winter, set it to 68-degrees or lower
Set the water heater's thermostat to low
Wash clothes only in cold water
Use kitchen and bathroom vents only when necessary
Clean the coils under the refrigerator

Low Cost Energy Savings Ideas

Install a programmable thermostat
Change filters on your air conditioner/heater monthly
Replace regular incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents and save as much as 75 percent. Use the Light Bulb Energy Saver Calculator to see what your savings will be
Install a water heater blanket. This will cut the amount of energy you use to heat water.
Seal around pipes where they penetrate walls and floors
Improve attic insulation to at least R-38 to R-49
Use motion detectors or timers to cut door on outdoor lighting times
Improve/replace weather stripping around doors and windows
Consider adding solar screens or window tinting

Other ideas

Refrigerators and other appliances built before 1990 can be big energy users. Consider replacing them with new Energy Star - rated appliances. To find if it's time to dump your old refrigerator, use the Refrigerator Retirement Savings Calculator.
If your A/C unit is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with a new Energy Star rated appliance with a SEER rating of 14 or higher. If the unit is installed properly, you could save as much as 20% on your heating and cooling costs.
Consider replacing single pane windows with low-E Energy Star-rated windows.

Federal Tax Credits
Federal tax credits are available for many home improvements that increase your home's energy efficiency. Check out the following links to learn how you can take advantage of these credits:

Other useful links: