There are two ways to measure energy efficiency improvements. The first is the payback period. This is the amount of time that the improvement will take to pay for itself.
The second is comfort. Improvements can often increase the comfort level of a home. This is not easy to measure but is one of the driving forces behind home-weatherization efforts. There are several areas of the home that can be improved easily, without breaking your budget.
Lighting
While pricey when first introduced, there has been a steady decline in the cost of LED bulbs for residential use, making them a much easier choice. LEDs save 60% or more compared to incandescent bulbs and last for several years. Care should be taken when selecting a bulb for a fixture that uses a dimmer, as not all dimmers will work with LEDs.
Heating and Air Conditioning
The Energy Information Administration estimates that heating and air conditioning account for 32% of a typical home’s annual electric bill. Options such as an air source heat pump or a ground source heat pump can be 20%–45% more efficient than the existing heating or cooling system in the average home. However, the upfront cost is often a barrier to adoption.
Simple solutions such as changing air filters at least every two months will increase airflow to rooms, increase the life of the HVAC unit’s motor and improve the air quality of the home. Sealing and insulating ductwork can be done in a weekend and results in energy savings of up to 20% on heating and cooling costs.
It’s important to find and seal air leaks. To do so, walk around your house on a cold day and feel for drafts around exterior doors and windows, electrical outlets, and entrance points for cables. To seal leaks, apply caulk, weatherstripping or spray foam.
Simple acts such as cooking outdoors on a hot summer day or keeping curtains closed to keep out the sun can reduce the time AC units need to operate.
Appliances and Electronics
The appliances and gadgets that make life easier are also some of the largest users of electricity in our homes. When buying a new appliance, look for the Energy Star label. That choice can result in 10%–15% savings in energy consumption.
You can save on the purchase of those appliances by taking advantage of Texas’ Energy Star holiday. Sales taxes are waived May 24–26 on the purchase of certain Energy Star appliances.
Here are some simple household tips to help trim your electric bill.
Cleaning lint traps on dryers and not overdrying clothes will save energy and extend the life of your clothes.
Replacing worn refrigerator door gaskets will stop cool air from escaping the refrigerator.
Home electronics, like computers, TVs and game systems, consume power even when turned off. This is known as a parasitic load or by the more playful term “energy vampires.”
Turning off power to these vampires by using a power strip or a smart strip is the best way to stop this senseless loss of energy.
The best energy efficiency improvements are often the easiest. Turning lights off when leaving a room, sealing windows and doors, and opening or closing curtains isn’t as much fun as buying a shiny new appliance. But these tasks are proven ways to save energy and increase comfort on a budget.
