Question of the Week: What have you done to make your home more energy efficient?
Each week we ask a question related to the environment. Please let us know your thoughts as comments. Feel free to respond to earlier comments or post new ideas. Previous questions.
New technology, product choice on such items as insulation, light bulbs and double-pane windows and even landscaping can help make a home more energy efficient. Reducing use of air conditioning or programming sleep mode on computers are other ways to lessen our energy use. October is the Change the World Energy Star campaign.
What have you done to make your home more energy efficient?
En español: Cada semana hacemos una pregunta relacionada al medio ambiente. Por favor comparta con nosotros sus pensamientos y comentarios. Siéntase en libertad de responder a comentarios anteriores o plantear nuevas ideas. Preguntas previas.
Nueva tecnología, selección de productos como insolución, bombillas, y ventanas de vidrio doble, e incluso el diseño del jardín pueden hacer su casa más eficiente del punto de vista energético. La reducción en el uso del aire acondicionado o la programación de las computadoras para el apagado automático (o dormir) también son otras maneras de disminuir el consumo de energía. Durante el mes de octubre se celebra la campaña de “Para cambiar el mundo,” comience con Energy Star.
¿Qué ha hecho para que su hogar tenga una mayor eficiencia energética?
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
Change my light bulbs to energy efficient ones, heavier curtains for the windows, run water less.
Well I am a college student in Georgia and I live in a dormitory. Each week during the day instead of turning on the light I open the blinds to allow natural light into my room and I do this until night time. At night, most nights, I turn on my desk lamp which contains an incandescent lightbulb to use for light.
I have installed numerous compact fluorescent lights. The sale of incandescent light bulbs for homes should be banned.
I make the kids turn off their lights!
I caulked the window seals and doors.
My entire house now has compact fluorescent bulbs, water heater is wrapped, and low flow faucets/toilet have been installed.
Lots of things. I have insulated all hot water piping and the hot water heater. Installed a programable thermostat. Installed a new high efficiency furnace, AC, washer, and dryer. Installed a less wastefull water softener. Use compact fluorescents in just about all of my lights. Installed a thermostatically controlled gable fan to cool the attic. Installed new windows. I think that about sums it up.
added a roof fan to cool the attic when its hot out, to reduce the electricity for air conditioning, replacing incandescent light bulbs with CFLs where I use lights the most, replacing incandescent bulbs with lower wattage bulbs, added a shade tree west of our house in the back yard, which will shade our home when its hot
Our family took the 2 Degree Pledge at 2degreepledge.org and committed to setting our thermostat to a more conservative temperature, especially when we are out of the house for several hours. We don’t notice that slight adjustment in our thermostat because we also upgraded our system to one that is much more efficient (17.5 SEER) and better at delivering comfort.
We also worked with a NATE-certified technician who we found by typing in our zip code in the Contractor Locator on http://www.natex.org. The technician made sure our system was properly matched, sized and installed correctly. Since it has been installed, the technician has been back to perform maintenance and found the refrigerant charge was off, which was reducing the system’s efficiency so we were glad we had gotten a service agreement. I also changed to better air filters on the system once I learned that simply having a dirty air filter greatly reduces my system’s efficiency.
We have purchased energy star appliances, and an energy efficient heat pump heating/cooling system. We also got a programmable thermostat for KCPL that we can program to keep the temps turned lower/higher while we are away from home. We wash in cold water and we take short showers.
We have an 82 year old, two story house that had insulation only in the floor of the attic until 2000. We installed insulation in all standing outside walls and additional insulation in crawl spaces and undeneath several small roofs. We replaced all windows, a number with double pane glass (these are expensive but really do the job!). We installed a solar system on an east and a south facing roof, totaling 37 panels which really, really helps with our electric bill each month. We use no oil for heating anymore. Our next project will be to switch out of natural gas for cooking, but I really do prefer to cook with gas rather than electric!
Installed compact fluorescent lights – with reservations due to the Hg content. Can hardly wait for the compact LED lights even though they will be very expensive.
Purchased a low water use dishwasher and clothes washer (rebate programs made these purchases attractive).
Look for energy star rating on everything that might have one and would purchase the energy efficient model even if it was more expensive (not outrageously more expensive).
Connected the two PC’s and their peripherals to a power strip with a shut off switch. Now got to train family to shut the PC’s down and turn off the juice.
We are getting there but it is a whole new look at consumption. Can’t bombard them too fast, just chip, chip, chip…and hope they still like me when I’m done! I’ve overheard “conservation nazi” and figure they were referring to me. It’s not impossible since we’ve been “Leave no trace” campers for a long time and they see the worth in that. Conservation has been the norm in Europe for a long time probably because of WWII, but it is a big change for the US.
1. There was no air conditioning this year
2. Converted to a bio fuel furnace
3. Changed all the light bulbs
4. Changed a few windows and doors
5. Shut off the freezer and canned more
6. Bought fuel ahead of time and received a discount
Since moving into my home in 1990 (built in 1987) I have done the following to make it more energy efficient: Every “heating” device is natural gas fueled (Furnaces, stove, water heater, clothes dryer, and outdoor gas grill). Switched to a tankless BOSCH water heater. Replaced furnace and A/C with new condensing gas furnace and higher SEER A/C. Caulked and sealed air leaks. replaced some incondescent light fixtures with florescent ones. Have argon filled low-E glass in a addition we added (warm to the touch inside in winter). Added temperature controlled power vent in attic over portion of the house. I’ve been thinking about adding more blown-in fiber glass insulation, but Home Depot and Lowe’s do not seem to have it only cellulose. I don’t want to put cellulose over top my existing fiber glass…..
I recently moved to my first home. The previous owners already had energy efficient windows, a/c and furnace installed. I put compact fluorescent bulbs in the light fixtures when I moved in. Later this month, I will be adding new insulation to the attic with an R-value that meets or exceeds the recommended R-value for this region. In the next year or so, I would like to go solar.
Take advantage of the energy tax credits!!! Save money and the Earth.
To make our home more energy efficient, we recently replaced all of our windows (23), changed out light bulbs and have begun replacing old appliances with Energy Star models.
In the summer I try not to use the clothes dryer and hang everything out on the clothes line -
We have replaced several light bulbs with CFL bulbs, and have a plan set up to replace the remaining bulbs with the CFL bulbs. I have finally gotten the rest of my family to unplug their cell phone chargers when the phone has charged, and completely turning off the computer monitor after the computer has been shut down.
We also replaced the window in my daughter’s room when we redid it to a more energy efficient window, and we are planning on replacing the windows in our bedroom when we redo it next year. Currently we are checking all our windows to see what ones we need to seal, repair, or where we need to add insulation.
This summer we cut back on using the air conditioner as well, and we didn’t use the dryer unless absolutely necessary. All the laundry went out on the clothesline to dry.
replaced swamp coolers with 16.9 SEER puron air conditioners. replaced all appliances with engery star products. caulked & sealed doors and windows. replace old light bulbs with compact flourescent light bulbs. next project will be window & door replacement.
Over the last few years we have added more insulation, replaced an old, inefficient gas furnace with a new, efficient one, replaced windows, and replaced light bulbs with compact fluorescent ones. We also purchase wind-generated electricity.
I have replaced old appliances with Energy Star appliances, replaced my shop lights with flourescents lights, installed solar powered walkway, motion detector and fountain outside and have scheduled my furnace for a tuneup before the winter heating season take off.
Installed setback thermostats
Installed a number of compact fluorescents bulbs
Added insulation in the attic
Covered thru the wall a/c unit on the exterior.
We have lived in our 1950′s era house for one year and have a lot of efficiencies we can add. As light bulbs burn out we change them to CFLs – at this point about 80% of our bulbs are CFL. This summer we added a layer of blown fill insulation to the attic. We use storm windows for added insulation, which we will be putting up soon. After last winter’s $400 heating bills, I’m looking forward to seeing a decrease this winter. I think our next step would be to install programmable thermostats and add insulation to the light switches and wall sockets on the outer walls.
Last year, we replaced all of our old single pane, aluminum frame windows with tinted, double pane, vinyl windows (11 windows plus sliding glass door). This year, we replaced our 24-year old washer and dryer with new, energy- and water-efficient units. Also, I have resisted the urge to get air conditioning even though summer temperatures can frequently top 100 degrees — we rely on ceiling fans for those intolerably hot days/nights.
We have changed out our light bulbs and keep our thermostat at a more conservative temperature. We also use our ceiling fans and use natural lighting through out the day light hours.
We have replaced all appliances with Energy Star, replaced light bulbs with compact light bulbs, added night lights so were not turning on lights as much, added motion detectors to outside lights, shut off computer & printer when not in use, added more insulation to attic, unplugged unused items, dialed down furance and dialed up air… all these things have cut our gas and electric bills in half… we’re loving it.
Our power transmission Co. NorthWestern Energy plans to place a huge ,many Kv line down a to small residential street to supply another state with the excess power. Lines will go over our bedrooms. EMF, Electro Magnetic Fields are dangerous to human health when this close. Childhood leucemia & adult cancers happen.
We in the neighborhood have complained clear to the top of the political chain but we know these companies do just as they want..
Wish you could help matters such as this & not just ask how we insulated our homes…
Installed a digital thermostat and programmed it to run heat/AC less. Got energy-efficient washer/dryer. Got energy star lightbulbs.
I had insulation added to my attic and basement. Then I am going to have geothermal heating system put in to heat my house in the winter and cool it in the summer. Yes, this is a big expense but I should save at least $2,500 a year on the costs of heating oil. I calculated that I should get the returns on my investment in geothermal heating in 10 years. Also, I will receive $2,000 tax credit on my tax returns for next year since President Bush signed the bill on 10/03/08.
I have changed to all energy effiecient light bulbs, new more efficeint furnace filters, cover for my hot water heater, internal covers for all light switches.that are on outside walls. Installed programmable thermostat. I hope that this helps with my heat bills this year.
The Washington DC Government just conducted an “energy audit” of my house. The house got an “F” on the energy “report card” for being too drafty. on a positive note, i’ll never perish in my sleep from CO poisoning. I thought the audit was extremely useful. The auditor gave me lots of inexpensive suggestions on things I could do to improve my home’s energy efficiency.
I use T-8 linear bulbs rather than t-12′s 32 vs 40 watts and the T-8′s can have a better light quality and efficiency (lumens/watt)
I use compact flour. when possible
Changed to a smaller vent fan that moves 50 cfm in the bathroom
Use windows with low e coating and 3 panes of glass
Added insulation to the floor and sides of the house
Installed a EPA approved woodstove
Test for air leaks when it is windy and then fix those areas
Weather strip the front door
Use a 1.25 gallon per minute water shower head and got rid of the 3gpm one. This has made a real difference in my fuel bill
I keep the heating system clean
Since our house is 25 years old, we’ve been forced to make some major renovations in the past few years, including some we hadn’t planned on; all the major kitchen appliances are new, and much more energy efficient than their predecessors (and I do mean *deceased*). We had to replace the original heat pump last year–our power bill dropped drastically, so it was worth the price (almost). Over the past five years we’ve changed out almost all the faucets in the house to water savers; this year we did the commodes, replacing the old 5 – 7 gallon per flush models with 1.6 gpf models that work just great. The old water heater went belly up 3 years ago, so that got swapped out with a nice new efficeint one. Almost all the lights in the house are fluorescents; the remaining incandescents are being changed out as needed. I installed a programable thermostat last year. Our new TV is an energy star model. We built rain barrels to catch rainwater from the roof in order to water various plants. My husband added insulation to all the hot water pipes as well as to the Heat/AC ducts under the house. I signed up to buy “green” energy from our power company, in an amount that offsets the average monthly kw usage for our home. I have a reel-type mower for use when the grass isn’t too high. My husband and I both work to remember to turn off lights and appliances when they aren’t being used–this includes the computer, VCR, TV, and all the rest. I try to use my washer and dryer at off-peak hours (coincidentally, that’s when I have the most time anyhow). I compost my yard, garden and kitchen waste, so that I can add nutrients back to my garden instead of sending them to the landfill. We’ve planted deciduous trees on the west side of the house for afternoon shade and relief from the blazing Summer sun.
Wow — I hadn’t realized just how many different things we have done to save energy. Just goes to show, it’s easy if you take it in little steps. Next up — the washer and dryer. They’re 1992 models, so I’m sure newer ones would help us save even more.
I am impressed by how many great conservation strategies people have used. At Green Irene, we are constantly researching energy conservation strategies. One of my favorite changes is installing a ceiling fan – for in the summer heat and in the winter. Using an energy star reversible fan helps you lower your cooling and heating costs. In the summer, the fan pushes air down, creating a breeze which makes you feel colder. In the winter, reverse the direction of your fan. The fan then recirculates the hot air stuck on the ceiling so that it is warmer on the floor level.
I am putting in a fireplace insert with a blower. It will heat up to 2,000 square feet. I have a free source of wood so for me it was a no-brainer. I figure with the expected price increases for natural gas, it should pay for itself in about 3 years.
Certainly alot of the low hanging items; changing out light bulbs to CFL as they burn out, LED Christmas lights, low cost occupancy sensors in bathrooms (the kids never turn them off), no more irrigation, programmable thermostat (paid for itself the first year), tankless water heater, energy star appliances (specifically replaced our washer), keep windows/doors maintained and changing furnance filter regularly.
Before I implemented any major energy efficiency improvements to my home, I started with a comprehensive home energy audit. It was conducted by an accredited Building Performance Institute (BPI) professional. The audit established a baseline for my home’s energy usage and overall performance. The results of the audit allowed me to make informed decisions as to which measures were most cost effective.
Also, I investigated rebates and incentives that were available to residential property owners through the state’s energy authority and other non-traditional sources of funding, like HUD community redevelopment block grants. This allowed me to defray the cost of the purchase and installation of the energy efficiency measures, like appliances, wall insulation and windows.
We have purchased star energy efficient washer and dryer,converted to cfl lightbulbs,new windows(31 in all!Ouch) for our forty year old English Tudor home, and gone silicone caulking crazy where there were drafts on uneven walls and windows.
But our biggest purchases were our two hybrid automobiles(Prius and Camry) we have had for 2 years now. Significant savings on our family budget for each of these changes.
We have a programmable thermostat that we set at 55 in the winter for the overnight and raise the temp to 64 during the day when we are home. That has cut our home heating bill from well over a $100 per month to about $80. With added energy costs this winter, it may bump up above $100 again.
I am hoping to add a solar hot water heater this next spring if the home owners association will allow it.
To accomodate a growing family, we remodeled our house from 800sf (2bdrm, 1bath) to 2300sf (4bdrm, 3bath) last year replacing old single paned windows with energy star certified units (dual-paned, insulated), replacing all major appliances with energy star units (dishwasher, washer/dryer, tankless water heater, heating & a/c units, etc.). Insulated every possible wall and ceiling. We also, use fluorescent lighting where possible and installed ceiling fans in as many rooms as we could (especially bedrooms). In the process of doing this, we actually have a larger house that uses about the same amount of energy as our smaller one! It cost us a bit of money to do so, but it was worth it in the end.
An avalanche interrupted our hydropower source this spring so our City of Juneau faced a tripling of our electricitt rates for about six weeks. We had already done many of these things but became much more aware of every watt.
We replaced 3/4 of our bulbs with compact flourescents;
Replaced reading lamps with lower wattage bulbs, and one LED lamp;
Turned our pellet stove down below 65 when awake, and 55 when sleeping or gone;
Sleep in a loft built close to ceiling peak, the warmest part of the house;
Combine cooking of boiling items with steaming of vegetables;
Use toaster oven rather than baking oven for anything that fits;
Use coffee machine instead of range top stove for heating water for hot drinks.
Unplug transformers & put TV & cable box on power strips to turn off all power to these when not in use;
Close inner door to mud room arctic entry;
Keep beverages in mud room or car to keep chilled, instead of refrigerator;
Removed old excess food from freezer;
Place throw rug edge onto door to add to weather stripping.
-Vinnie in Juneau
Why is your question asked in English and Spanish? You are taking my tax dollars and spending it on unneccesary ways. Anyone that is at this level of contact with the EPA should already have learned English.
this is as rediculus as the USDA giving a loan to a plastics manufacturing company in Iowa, last month.
Beginning on Earth Day I began hanging my clothes out to dry on a clothesline. I only use the dryer now if I forget that I have clothes out and we have a sudden thunderstorm (in Florida) and I have extremely soaked clothes. For the $23 “investment” of the clothesline I have already easily made my money back in electric bill savings at least threefold. Plus our clothes last longer and doing laundry in the backyard while the kids are playing is much nicer than in the garage! We also had insulation blown in in our attic, changed to all CFLs, had energy efficient windows put in and set our A/C for 80-82 and only use the heat if it is absolutely necessary (probably less than 20 day/year). In our all electric house my bill is never more than $130/month and is often closer to $110 (and someone is home all the time so this is “running” the house 24 hours a day).
Hi,is nice question i like to give the answer of it i totally change all light to low voltage circuit light which helps in saving energy n i say my mom use nature material like coal which left after wood burns for cooking food n it also save money.
An i am always say every friends n child swicht it of light when it not on use,because the young youth of the any country should know this thinks so they can live better n safe life.
I post my electric bill each month on my refrigerator along with pictures of friend and sons. The bill compares the last 13 months. This posting was the key factor in reducing my electric consumption +55% in 2007 compared to 2006. The visible reminder caused a life style change in my 4 sons and wife living with me. Of course we used CF bulbs and turned things off when not needed. The very visible bill got all family members pulling the consumption down. Unplugging a extra refrigerator in basement, using dryer less and at night, filling up freezer with food or empty water bottles to reduce air to be cooled, using power strips to kill vampire electronics all were implemented because of the bill on the refridgerator door. I think the teenagers did not stand in front of the open fridge door as much either.
The electric bill in addition to helping reduce our consumption by over 55% also had average daily temp. This helped with accurate comparisons. What we found was that not all months were warmer than the previous year. Dec. 06 had an average daily temp of 39 and Dec. o7 was 32. Our use went from 38 kWh to 13 kWh even though it was colder.
I now have wireless that enables me to work with my laptop at home. I can use natural light most of the time instead of being chained to a desk. THe laptop uses less energy than my old PC.
I designed my house for passive solar. I too have heaver curtains but open them for solar heating when the conditions are right. With high overhangs covering the first and second floor to the south I do not get direct sunlight in the summer, only fall, winter and early spring.
Don’t you wish you had a meter for left on lights and TV’s? You can get their attention by having one of the kids do a science fair project and calculating the wastefulness of leaving lights or appliances running.
For my sons who kept leaving lights on in the basement I had CF bulbs but went an extra step, a motion detector that turned off lights after 5 minutes.
Put your electric bill on your refrigerator and get them into saving.
I did not even have to be a conservation Nazi. Example, I was surprised with how the boys started wearing clothes more and reducing our wash cycles. Key to behavior change, they did their own wash and were encouraged to do only full loads.