At Exact Solar we know that reducing our energy usage overall is the key to moving toward energy independence. Renewable energy sources are only part of the answer. We are committed to advocating for smart energy decisions. See our list below for things you can easily do now, or over the next few years, to save energy, save money, and save our natural world.
Like us on Facebook and find pointers on how you can save money and energy easily and with little to no expense!
Free Things You Can Do Now! (instant payback!)
- Turn down water heater thermostat to 120ºF
- Set heat to 68ºF in winter, lower at night (programmable thermostats do this automatically)
- Use energy-saving settings on all appliances
- Air-dry clothes and dishes
- Wash only full loads of clothes and dishes
- Repair leaky faucets and toilets
- Take short showers – use a timer
- Clean refrigerator condenser coils every 2 months
- In winter, open drapes on sunny days, close them at night. Vice versa in the summer.
- Turn off lights when not in use
- Turn off computer and monitor when not in use
- Unplug electronics or use power strips and turn them off when not in use. Cell phone chargers, TVs and other equipment use energy even when not in use.
- Use air conditioner only when necessary – use fans
Inexpensive Things You Can Do Now! (typical payback less than a year)
- Switch to LED lightbulbs throughout the house
- Install low-flow shower heads and faucets
- Install a programmable thermostat
- In attic and basement, plug air leaks
- Replace broken window panes
- Clean or change air filter on warm-air heating system and air conditioner each month
- Insulate pipes within 4′ of the water heater
- Install gaskets on outlets and switches in exterior walls
More Expensive Things You Can Do Now! (payback 1 to 3 years)
- Get an energy audit with blower door test
- Caulk and weatherize all air leaks
- Insulate hatch/stairs to the attic
- Seal and insulate ducts
- Tune-up heating and cooling systems
- Install insulating shades or storm windows (about 1/3 of home heat loss usually is through windows)
- Insulate hot water pipes in unheated areas
Make a True Investment! (payback 3 to 10 years – that is still a great Return on Investment!)
- Insulate inside rim joist and foundation wall to below frost line
- Insulate basement walls and crawl space
- Increase attic insulation
- Install a solar water heater
- Install low-e and superinsulated windows
- Upgrade appliances, furnace, air conditioner – upgrading is cost effective, especially if you need to replace failing units anyway
- Replace older toilets with water-efficient ones
- Replace a conventional computer with a lap-top
Other Energy Resources:
- Find the electric company that’s right for you at PAPowerSwitch.com
- US Energy Information Administrations’s EnergyKids
- US Department of Energy EnergySavers.gov
- Learn about EnergyStar products and facilities
- PA Public Utility Commission’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Information
- About Pennsylvania’s Electricity Rate Cap Expiration effective January 1, 2011
Articles:
