These easy at-home energy savers will instantly improve your home’s energy-efficiency, and save money on your utility bill. A quick trip to the home improvement or hardware store will set you on your way.
- Weatherizers
The gaps around the windows and doors in an average American house are the equivalent of a 3 foot by 3 foot hole in the wall! Caulk and weather-strip to seal off these air leaks.- Stop air from escaping under doors with “sweeps” or “shoes” attached to the bottom.
- Use window putty to seal gaps around loose window panes.
- Cover bare floors with padded rugs for added insulation.
- Look for other air leaks you can seal, such as those around plumbing penetrations or ceiling-mounted lighting fixtures.
- Better yet, call an energy rater who can test your house for hidden leaks with a “blower door.”
- Compact fluorescent bulbs
Lighting accounts for about 15 percent of household energy use. If you swap the five standard light bulbs you use most for energy-saving compact fluorescents, you can save roughly $60 each year on electricity. Make sure you use EnergyStar compact fluorescents, which are tested for quality and longevity.
- Water Heater Blankets
Bundle up your water heater, especially if it’s located in an unheated part of the house.
- Fresh Filters
Keep your air-conditioning and heating systems properly maintained by changing air filters and keeping air conditioner coils clean.
- Low-Flow Showerheads and Faucet Aerators
Replacing old models with new low-flow designs prevents the energy used to heat water from going down the drain.
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