Energy Saving Tips

When your filter is dirty, it slows down the air flow through your home. As a result, your HVAC system has to work harder to cool or heat your home, which wastes energy. Changing your air filter regularly can lower your air conditioning and heating consumption by 5%-15%. 

Just like you take your car in for maintenance, your HVAC system needs maintenance too. Tuning up your HVAC system every year can increase its efficiency and identify issues early on to avoid sudden breakdowns.

The efficiency of your HVAC system decreases significantly with age. Its efficiency decreases by 14% after 5 years, 26% after 10 years, and 37% after 15 years, causing your electricity bill to increase over time.

By replacing your HVAC system to one with a higher SEER value, you can increase your savings even further. SEER value is a measure of energy efficiency for HVAC systems. The higher your SEER value, the more efficient your system. You can calculate your potential savings based on SEER value here. 

• Seal your heating and cooling ducts to prevent air leakage and reduce energy consumption by as much as 20%
• Use a ceiling fan to make a room feel as much as 10ºF cooler to help cool your home on hotter days
• Turn on the bathroom fan when you take a shower or bath and your range hood when cooking to remove heat and humidity and reduce HVAC use.
• Use an outdoor grill instead of an oven on hot days to prevent heating your home.
• Install energy-efficient window coverings that let natural light in while preventing solar heat gain.

A smart-learning thermostat, also known as a programmable thermostat, allows you to adjust the times that you cool or heat your home based on a schedule that fits your lifestyle. You can save about 10% on your heating and cooling costs per year by installing a smart-learning thermostat in your home. 

Some options for smart-learning thermostats include:

• The Nest Learning Thermostat
• Ecobee Thermostats
• Honeywell Thermostats
• Sensei Thermostats

Sensors can help turn switch lights on only when they are needed. Occupancy sensors automatically turn lights off once a room is vacant. Light sensors are useful for controlling outdoor lighting, especially when paired with timers that turn lights off late at night. Light dimmers help reduce the light level and energy use as needed. Some controls even allow you to remotely operate lights with paired smartphones.

Natural daylight is the cheapest source of light, so make the most of it! A single skylight or a strategically positioned window can provide as much light as dozens of light bulbs during daylight hours.

Try concentrating the light only where needed in order to conserve your energy. You can place track or recessed lights above places such as the kitchen counter or your desk and avoid turning on unnecessary ceiling lights. 

Use pre-cut jackets or blankets to insulate your water heater tank, their prices start at about $20 and you could reduce standby heat losses by 25% to 45% and save about 7% to 16% in water heating costs by insulating your water heater tank.  

Your water heater’s efficiency decreases by 7% after 5 years, 14% after 10 years, and 20% after 15 years, causing your electricity bill to increase over time. 

• Use less hot water whenever possible, such as turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth.
• Installing low-flow faucets and showerheads increases your water savings by 20-60%.
• Turn down the heater’s thermostat to around 120ºF.
• Wash clothes in cold water.
• Check for and fix leaks every month.
• Purchase ENERGY-STAR appliances such as dishwashers and clothes washers.