Free Home Energy Saving Tips

Electric

January 21, 2009March 10, 2024

Where does your electric payment go?

In other words, what is the single biggest user of electricity in a typical home? Appliance % Usage Refrigerator 13.00% Air Conditioning 12.00% Electric Water Heating 11.00% Space heaters 11.00% Lighting 9.00% TV’s 3.00% (Source: US Department of Energy) As you can see, a typical sized single family home uses more electricity to run a […]

1 min read

News

January 21, 2009March 16, 2024

Announcing the creation of the “Home Energy Lab”

Think of it as a home energy efficiency lab that is not run by a government agency… I’ll be investigating and actively experimenting with easy, do it yourself ways for every home to save money on energy bills. All the reports that come from the lab will include costs and approximate savings, as well as […]

1 min read

January 21, 2009March 10, 2024

Set the optimal temperature using your thermostat

Finding and setting the optimal temperature may be a science in itself. You have to take into account the heat you use with your comfort level based on your activity. For example is it necessary to have the heat turned way up at night while you’re asleep in your bed? Do you need the heat […]

2 mins read

January 21, 2009March 10, 2024

Make sure the thermostat is protected from a heating / cooling source

Basically, make sure the thermostat location isn’t too hot, or too drafty. The thermostat measures the temperature and locating it in either location can throw off the reading. The effects can be disastrous for your utility bill. The area might be warm, so the thermostat will be tricked into thinking the heat has done its […]

1 min read

Electric

January 21, 2009March 10, 2024

Put lights on sensors or timers

This is a lazy man’s dream. Having the lights turn on and off with no effort or action on your part to me is absolutely amazing, and perfect. Place commonly used lights, like lamps in the living room, on simple timers. You can program them to turn on automatically at a certain time, and more […]

1 min read

January 20, 2009March 10, 2024

Effectively cleaning your heat registers

There’s an argument to be made for cleaning your heat registers…actually, there’s several. First, there’s the energy argument. In theory, especially in forced air systems, air flow is reduced as heat or air registers become clogged and otherwise dirty. Anything that reduces airflow has the potential for jacking up your energy bills because the furnace […]

4 mins read

January 16, 2009March 10, 2024

If you find yourself in one room consistently, consider using a small portable space heater

This is kind of a double edge sword. You can save on heating costs if you spend a lot of time, say, in the living room and you already took steps to plug energy holes you found. Like I said previously, its impossible to get every hole or energy shortcoming. The thing to be wary […]

1 min read

Home Energy Tips

January 16, 2009March 10, 2024

Use the oscillate feature on fans

If you have a floor or desktop fan, use the oscillate feature. They circulate the air much better than a fan that’s blowing or moving air in one direction.

1 min read

Home Energy Tips

January 16, 2009March 10, 2024

Avoid overuse of ventilation fans.

Ventilation fans are different than normal ceiling fans. Ventilation fans’ job is to remove offending air from the house to the outdoors. It is non discriminatory. In other words, it doesn’t care if the air on the inside is warmer than outside. Usually, you’ll find ventilation fans in kitchens on hoods, in bathrooms, utility rooms, […]

1 min read

January 16, 2009March 10, 2024

Insulate light switches and outlets

I was a little surprised by this one, and you might be too. Try this: Go to a light switch on a wall opposite the outdoors. A hallway would be a good example. Take your hand, and feel if there is cold air blowing through. Feel anything? Now try removing the faceplate. I couldn’t believe […]

1 min read

Save Money on Energy Costs with Energy Star

6 Ways to Quickly Spot an Energy Efficient New House

5 Important Downsides to Lowering Thermostats in Winter to Consider

6 Ways to Quickly Spot an Energy Efficient New House

5 Important Downsides to Lowering Thermostats in Winter to Consider

Where does your electric payment go?

Announcing the creation of the “Home Energy Lab”

Set the optimal temperature using your thermostat

Make sure the thermostat is protected from a heating / cooling source

Put lights on sensors or timers

Effectively cleaning your heat registers

If you find yourself in one room consistently, consider using a small portable space heater

Use the oscillate feature on fans

Avoid overuse of ventilation fans.

Insulate light switches and outlets