Checklist guides homeowners on energy-saving tips
Earth911 has published a detailed checklist to help homeowners improve energy efficiency and reduce utility costs. The guide covers practical steps from sealing leaks to upgrading appliances. It emphasizes simple actions that can lead to significant savings without major renovations.
The Earth911 checklist provides actionable advice for enhancing home energy efficiency, focusing on common areas where energy is wasted. Homeowners are encouraged to start with an energy audit, either professional or DIY, to identify inefficiencies. Key recommendations include sealing air leaks around windows, doors, and outlets, which can save 10-20% on heating and cooling bills.
Insulation plays a crucial role, with the guide advising checks and upgrades for attics, walls, and floors to prevent heat loss. For heating and cooling systems, maintaining HVAC units through regular filter changes and professional tune-ups is highlighted. Programmable thermostats are suggested to automatically adjust temperatures, potentially saving up to 10% on annual heating and cooling costs.
Lighting upgrades are a straightforward fix: switching to LED bulbs, which use 75% less energy than incandescents and last 25 times longer. The checklist also covers appliances, recommending Energy Star-rated models that consume less power. Unplugging electronics in standby mode addresses 'vampire energy' use, estimated at 5-10% of household electricity.
Additional tips include using ceiling fans to circulate air, washing clothes in cold water, and air-drying dishes. For outdoor efficiency, planting shade trees and using window treatments to block summer heat are noted. The guide stresses that combining these steps can reduce overall energy use by 20-30%, lowering costs and environmental impact.
No specific timeline or quotes from experts are provided in the source, but the advice is presented as timeless best practices for any home.