Weatherize
Save up to 10 percent on your energy bill
Alternatively, storm windows can reduce your winter heat loss by 25 - 50 percent.
If your home has only single pane windows, consider replacing them with low-e coated Energy Star windows.
When buying a new AC unit, look for a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) of 13 or higher on central systems and the Energy Star label on room units.
In arid climates, evaporative
coolers are much more efficient (and less costly) than AC. They also
add needed moisture to the air, while AC units further dry the air.
Improve Your Windows
About 40 percent of the unwanted heat that builds up in your home come in through windows
Update Appliances/Electronics Appliances account for about 20 percent of your household energy consumption
Appliances and electronics really add up on your energy bill, so when it's time to replace, remember these items have two price tags: purchase price and lifetime energy cost. When shopping for new appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, etc.) and electronics (TV, computer, etc.), demand the Energy Star label. Energy Star is the government's rating program that shows you which items are more efficient than typical models. Energy Star items will save you money over the product's useful life.
When it's time to replace your hot water tank, buy the most efficient one possible. Consider a tankless, on-demand system (these won't work for everyone, so talk to your installer).
When it's time to replace your furnace or AC, get the highest efficiency model possible. Changing out old cooling and heating equipment with Energy Star qualified models can cut your annual energy costs by 20 percent.
Improve Mechanical Systems Up to half of your energy bill goes just for heating and cooling
Turn your heating or cooling down every night and whenever you leave home. Better yet, install an Energy Star programmable thermostat and save about $100 each year; it adjusts the temperature automatically for you.
Insulate
Insulation can reduce your heating and cooling needs by up to 30 percent
The easiest and most cost-effective way to insulate your home is to
add insulation in the attic. If you have less than R-22 (6 or 7 inches),
you could probably benefit by adding more. Most U.S. homes should
have between R-38 and R-49 attic insulation.
Warm air leaking into your home during the summer and out of your home during the winter wastes money. A handy homeowner can seal up holes to the outside, weather-strip doors, caulk windows, and often even insulate attic floors, basements, and crawl space walls. It's important to weatherize before adding insulation.
Insulating your walls will improve the comfort of your home and reduce your energy bills dramatically, but it's expensive and will probably require a contractor. Remember to insulate the walls or ceiling of your crawl space and/or basement.
Landscape
Save $100-$250 each year
Trees that lose their leaves in the fall give protection from the summer sun and permit winter sunlight to reach and warm your home. Plant trees on the south, east and/or west sides of your home. Be sure to shade the AC unit.
Create a windbreak on the north side of you home with evergreen trees and shrubs to stop chilling winds.
Energy Savers
