Hunt for home energy savings this spring
Five simple fixes for a more energy-efficient home
You don’t have to be a kid to find sweet surprises in and around your home this Easter. Take a look around and you’re likely to discover more than a few ways you can conserve energy. Hunt down your hidden energy deficiencies, and tackle the projects one-by-one. Then prepare to fill baskets of savings and enjoy a more energy-efficient home.
- Find and fix air leaks
Taking care of pesky air leaks could help you save up to 20% on your energy bill each year. Inside your home, check for gaps along the baseboards and your flooring, as well as spots where the wall and ceiling meet. Keep in mind, air leaks don’t just happen indoors, so it’s a good idea to hop outside and hunt for exterior issues. Look for drafts in these common areas: around windows, doors, lighting and plumbing fixtures, fireplace dampers, outlets, and switches. Once you find the leak, use caulk or weatherstripping to seal it.
- Inspect your insulation
Take a look at the insulation in your home, especially if your home is older. Start with the attic to make sure it’s properly insulated. While you’re up there, look for openings near pipes or ductwork and seal these with foam caulk or a permanent, non-combustible sealant. Make sure your attic vents are clear and not covered with insulation. Consider hiring a professional to perform a thermographic inspection and inspect the interior of your walls.
- Give your HVAC a yearly checkup
Have a professional check and clean your HVAC unit once a year. You might want to replace it if it’s more than 15 years old. Inspect the ducts and pipes in your unit and seal any leaks you find.
- Look at your lighting
On average, 10% of your electric bill comes from lighting costs. Be sure to choose CFLs or LEDs. To save even more money, invest in sensors, dimmers, or timers — and most importantly, don’t forget to turn the lights off when you leave the room.
- Survey appliances and electronics
Take inventory of all the gadgets in your home. Then, add up the energy it takes to run them. Find those that waste the most energy and consider these tips to save: unplug the device when you’re not using it, adjust settings on the appliance, or just try to use it less frequently. Finally, replace old electronics to save more over time.
Source: Energy.gov