Managing energy costs through conservation or through the high-efficiency heating equipment rebate programs discussed here can save money. With gasoline prices expected to soar this winter, it’s more important than ever to change the way we think about and use energy. For a detailed audit, go to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Home Energy Saver.
Many utility companies also offer energy rebate programs to help share the cost of an energy upgrade. Contact your local utility company and see what programs exist for energy saving programs.
In some areas, organizations have coordinated with state and utility programs that provide energy efficiency programs and services. The regional market transformation organizations in the US are:
* The Northeast Energy Efficiency Associations. A regional nonprofit organization founded in 1996 whose mission is to promote energy efficiency in homes, buildings, and industries in the Northeast through regionally coordinated programs.
A list of participating utilities with energy efficiency programs for the Northeast can be found here at http://www.neep.org
* Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (www.nwalliance.org). The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance is a nonprofit corporation supported by electric utilities, public benefits administrators, state governments, public interest groups, and representatives of the energy efficiency industry.
* Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (www.mwalliance.org). Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) is a collaborative network whose purpose is to promote energy efficiency in the Midwest to support sustainable economic development and environmental preservation. There are some energy efficiency incentives offered here at: http://www.mwalliance.org
* Southwest Energy Efficiency Associations (www.swenergy.org). The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) is promoting greater energy efficiency in a six-state region. The following link: http://www.swenergy.org provides a list of current state, local, and utility policies and programs to promote energy efficiency in each of the Southwestern states.
1. Buy an efficient heating system: If you’re thinking about buying a new heating system, look for Energy Star models. These are the most energy efficient models on the market.
2. Put your computer to sleep: Most computers come with power management features turned off. Set your computer to sleep if you are away from your machine for 15 minutes.
3. Replace bulbs: use a compact fluorescent bulb. It uses about a quarter of the energy of an incandescent with the same light quality and lasts 10 times longer.
4. You can’t heat up faster: Your house won’t heat up faster if you increase your thermostat setting. When your heating system is on, it runs at the same speed regardless of the temperature setting.
5. Keep doors closed: Close the door every time you open the door. Cold air enters the house.
6. Rearrange your rooms: Sit near the inside walls, outside walls and old windows are probably cold and drafty. Cupboards and Cabinets: Cupboards and cabinets on exterior walls can leak a lot of cold air, so make sure the doors fit snugly and keep them closed.
7. Caulk and Weatherstrip: One of the quickest tasks you can do to save money is to caulk, seal, and weatherstrip where drafts are detected.
8. Use ceiling fans – Use ceiling fans to increase air movement and comfort levels while saving money. By redirecting your ceiling fan counterclockwise in the winter, the fan will push warm rising air into the living space.
9. Take advantage of the sun: open the blinds on the south and east windows during the day. Close these blinds when the sun goes down.
10. High-Efficiency Windows: If you’re planning to replace your windows, choosing Energy Star windows can cut your heating and cooling costs by up to 15 percent.
11. Don’t let heat go up the chimney: keep it closed. Traditional fireplaces lose energy; it’s best not to use them because they draw hot air out of the house and up the chimney. When not in use, make absolutely sure the damper is closed.
12. Turn off the pilot light: . If your heating system has a pilot light, turn it off during the summer. A pilot light usually costs $3-$5 per month to keep on, so why not turn it off when you’re not using it? Gas ranges with electronic ignition systems will use 40 percent less energy than a permanent pilot system.
13. Adjust your heating system: Have a service professional adjust and inspect your heating system. Losses from a poorly maintained system sometimes accumulate at a rate of 1-2% each year.
14. Insulate Properly – Make sure the wall and attic are properly insulated. Adding fiberglass insulation to your attic is one of the most cost-effective, do-it-yourself measures.
15. Seal Leaks: Over time, leaks develop in all air ducts. Sealing these duct leaks can reduce heating costs by up to 20%. Keep filters clean, they can block heat flows.
16. Use appliances efficiently: Use only full loads when using your dishwasher and clothes washer. Use the cold water setting on your clothes washer when you can. Using cold water reduces your washer’s energy use by 75 percent.
17. Turn down your thermostat: Most energy experts recommend setting your thermostat to 68F or below, and several degrees cooler at night. Be sure to turn down your thermostat if you’re going to be leaving the house for a long time.
18. Store with a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat allows you to easily turn down the thermostat during periods when no one is home, as well as turn down the temperature overnight without having to freeze in the morning while you wait for the heat to come up. They start at $30 and can save you $100 in heating and cooling costs each year.
18. Insulate your hot water pipes: Hot water heating systems use a network of pipes to distribute heat throughout your home. Wrapping your pipes and water heater with insulation is easy to do and fairly inexpensive. Use foam or fiberglass insulation with a wall thickness of 3/4 in. for fiberglass and 1/2 in. for foam
19. Single Pane Windows: Not only are they inefficient, but worn and dirty windows can also be unsightly. Replacing them with energy efficient windows is a great investment.
20. Insulate outlets: Electrical outlets let cold air into the house. Remove outlet covers and insert special insulation underneath. Use special insulating plugs on all outlets that are not being used.