Energy Saving Tips

Lighting

Clean or repaint small rooms to eliminate dirt that collects on surfaces and reduces the amount of light they reflect.

Consider light wall colors to minimize the need for artificial lighting.

Consider using dimmers, motion sensors and timers.

Match the amount and quality of light to the performed function.

Install task lights where needed and reduce ambient light elsewhere.

Clean light bulbs every 6-24 months by wiping off dust.

Maximize the use of natural lighting.

Other

During heating season, open south-facing window coverings (e.g. drapes and blinds) during the day.

This will allow the sun to heat up the room. Also, close all window coverings at night to allow heat to stay in.

Always use bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans while showing, cooking and baking.

This will help avoid moisture problems and also can help to mitigate fungal and bacterial growth.

Conduct a home energy audit.

You can contract with an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) specialist or you can perform your own audit.

Replace heating equipment more than 15 years old by "Energy Star" qualified models.

For example, "Energy Star" refrigerators can be 15% more efficient than standard refrigerators and geothermal heat pumps can be 30% more efficient than a comparable new equipment.

Reduce hot water usage.

Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. Older showerheads deliver 4 to 5 gallons of water/minute; newer low flow showerheads can cut this down to two and a half gallons/minute. This is a reduction in water consumption of up to 50%.

Clean Furnace filters monthly.

Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use.

Seal your home's "envelope" after checking for leaks.

Use weather stripping and/or caulking to seal windows, any openings around doors, ventilation ducts and other openings.

Note: After sealing check level of insulation in the attic (if there is less than R-22, 7 inches of fiber glass or rock or wool or 6 inches of cellulose, it can be beneficial to add more.

Test for air leaks.

Use a lit incense candle (or fragrance free smoke stick) next to windows, doors, electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, etc where drafts from outside and leaks to the outside can cause energy losses.

Set Thermostat as low as comfortable in the Winter.

Replace lenses if they appear yellow.

Shut off lights, computers and other electronic appliances when not using them.

Make sure that your computer has a "sleep mode" monitor which can greatly reduce energy consumption.

Sources:

U.S Department of Energy
Flex Your Power
District of Columbia "Home Energy Saving Tips"
Energy Star: Home Energy Audits