|
|
US Department of Energy - energy saving tips for your home
Long-Term Investments for Energy Savings
Long-term investments in energy efficient products and upgrades can help you save more money and energy in the years to come. Consider the suggestions below when you need to purchase new products or just want to make your home more energy efficient.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
- Install a programmable thermostat that can be adjusted to temperatures according to your schedule.
- Place thermostats away from direct sunlight, drafts, doorways, skylights, and windows.
Add Insulation
- Add insulation to your home.
- Insulate heating ducts in unconditioned areas, such as attics and crawlspaces. Keeping ducts in good repair can prevent heat loss of up to 60% at the registers.
- Insulate your water heater tank and your water pipes to prevent heat loss, especially if you have an older water heater. Many new water heaters are well-insulated and do not require an insulation blanket; check the manufacturer's recommendations.
Upgrade Your Heating System
- Install a new energy-efficient heating system to save money over the long term. Look for the ENERGY STAR® and EnergyGuide labels.
Install Efficient Windows and Doors
- Install efficient windows.
- Install exterior or interior storm windows. Storm windows can reduce heat loss through the windows by 25% to 50%. Low-e storm windows save even more energy.
- Replace old exterior doors with new, energy-efficient doors.
- If you have skylights, install more efficient units. If you want skylights for daylighting, consider installing tubular skylights that minimize heat loss in winter and heat gain in the summer.
Use Passive Solar Design to Keep Your Home Comfortable
- Consider employing passive solar design techniques that can help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
- Learn more about passive solar design, including overhangs, windows with reflective coatings, and reflective coatings on exterior walls and the roof.
Purchase Energy-Efficient Appliances
- Purchase energy-efficient appliances to reduce your electric bills.
Heat Your Swimming Pool Efficiently
- Use a pool cover when your pool is not in use reduce water loss through evaporation and save up to 50%-70% on your pool heating costs.
- Learn more about pool covers, including the types available and how to use them.
- Determine the best temperature for your pool and estimate your energy costs to ensure you are operating your pool for maximum efficiency and enjoyment.
- Install an efficient swimming pool heater.
- Install an energy-saving pool pump and operate it efficiently.
Consider Renewable Technologies
- Consider purchasing solar technologies to provide for some of your energy needs.
- Consider installing a geothermal heat pump to heat and cool your home (and possibly even supply hot water).
Landscape for Energy Efficiency
- Plant trees of the appropriate size, density, and shape to provide shade and windbreaks as needed for energy savings in your climate.
- Plant trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants to shade the ground and pavement around the home. This reduces heat radiation and cools the air before it reaches your home's walls and windows.
- Consider xeriscaping techniques to conserve water.
Purchase an Efficient Cooling System
- Consider all of your options for efficient cooling systems.
- Find out what to consider when selecting a heating or cooling system.
- Find out how to use ventilation and fans to cool your home.
- Evaporative coolers can be an efficient way to cool in low-humidity areas. Learn about selecting, installing, operating, and maintaining an evaporative cooler.
- For climates with moderate heating and cooling needs, heat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners. Learn about the various types of heat pumps.
- Consider radiant cooling if you live in an arid climate. Learn more about radiant cooling.
- Learn how to select an efficient air conditioner.
Install Your Air Conditioner so It Operates Efficiently
- Place your air conditioner on the shaded north side of the house.
- Properly size your air conditioner. Too large a unit will not adequately remove humidity. Too small a unit will not be able to attain a comfortable temperature on the hottest days.
The materials from: http://www.energysavers.gov/seasonal/long_term_investments.html August 30, 2011
|
|
