home energy savings tips
There are small-easy methods to improve the efficiency of a home. They small acts as swithcing off computers and lights, new habits. Or cheap improvements involving lighting efficiency or sealing air leaks.
Easy ways of getting energy savings
Below we list some simple measures and practises that may reduce significantly your energy bills:
Lighting
- Replace your incandescent lighting; prefer fluorescent lamps instead of traditional lights.
- Use controls (photo-sensors, motion sensors, reflectors, deflectors and timers) in outdoor lighting. Pay attention to outdoor lighting: use Low-voltage outdoor lighting kits and lights powered by photovoltaic (solar) energy.
Heating and cooling
- Don’t over-use AC: use fans whenever possible and practical. Fans use far less energy than AC. Whole-house fans are an excellent alternative to air-conditioning in hot-dry climates.
- Use trees, awnings and window films to get air conditioning savings. They can be very effective.
- Replace central heating with room heating whenever possible: prefer modern qualified stoves or inserts to ducted systems.
- Use thermostats. See: Thermostats Basics
Buying
- When buying, choose energy-efficient appliances (air conditioning, furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, stoves, heaters...), windows and doors (pay attention to Energy Star and EU rating).
Sealing
Duct system are often leaky. Test them, and seal the duct leaks. Pay also attention to pipe insulation, and improve your windows weatherstripping
Divers
- Use microwave ovens instead of traditional cooking.
- Use laundry detergents formulated for cold water; they are as efficient as the others.
- Close fireplace dampers, when not in use. Use high-efficient fireplace inserts or modern stoves instead of traditional fireplaces. There are excellent alternatives to central heating and traditional fireplaces.
- Use less hot water; regulate appliances and boilers in order to lower temperatures as much as possible.
- Turn off lights, TVs, computers and appliances when not needed;
- If practical, check appliances filters (furnace, air conditioner...) on a monthly base or with the periodicity indicated by manufacturers. Clean or replace when needed.
More structural measures and strategies
Obviously, there are other more structural approaches in terms of energy savings, concerning insulation (Roof and Ceiling Insulation, Attic Insulation, Wall Insulation...) or solar water heaters or summer cooling strategies (see: Passive Solar Cooling, Passive Solar Heating, Passive Solar Design, Home orientation, Landscaping, Overhangs and shading, Windbreaks...).