Use less, spend less

You can save real money by doing little things around your home to save energy. In fact, just through proper insulation and air sealing techniques can save the average homeowner up to 30 percent on heating and cooling bills. Changes to your home’s lighting and your appliance usage can save even more on your energy bills.

There are long-term benefits, too. For every dollar you save in annual utility costs you can expect to add $20 to the market value of your home.

Whole-House Tips for Saving Energy–and Money

Lighting

• Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). CFLs use about two-thirds less energy and last up to 10 times longer than conventional incandescent bulbs.
  • Save 16 cents a day by replacing the five most frequently used light bulbs in your house with ENERGY STAR® qualified CFLs. 
  • Save $100 a year by switching 20 bulbs.
  • Click here for CFL discounts.
• Turn lights off when you leave a room.
  • Incandescent lights should be turned off whenever you leave a room. You can save about $15 per year by turning off just one 60-watt incandescent bulb that would otherwise burn eight hours a day.
  • Fluorescent lights should be turned off whenever you will be away for at least 15 minutes.
• Install dimmers, motion sensors or occupancy sensors to help reduce the unnecessary use of lights.
• Use task lighting for under-counter kitchen lights and bathroom mirror lights. Task lights help reduce the need for ambient lighting of large spaces.
• Paint your walls with a light color to decrease the need for artificial lighting in the room.
• White lamp shades will help make the room appear brighter.

Heating & Cooling

• It costs only about $2 a month to use ceiling fans and other fans to circulate air. Click here to learn about rebates on ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans.
• Set fans to turn clockwise in winter to push warm air down, which allows you to set your thermostat lower while maintaining comfort.
  • Set fans counterclockwise in summer, which cools the air, allowing you to set your thermostat higher.
• Good thermostat management keeps money in your pocket.
  • Keep your thermostat at 68 degrees or lower in the winter and 78 degrees or higher in the summer to save. You use 3 to 5 percent more energy for each degree the furnace is set above 68 degrees and for each degree the air conditioner is set below 78 degrees.
  • In the winter, set your thermostat to the lowest possible comfort setting. At night, put an extra blanket or down comforter on the bed and turn down your thermostat down another degree or two.
  • Set your thermostat back 5 degrees when leaving your home for an extended period of time. Overall, however, keep the temperature fairly constant.
  • Avoid dramatic changes in your thermostat settings. A large increase in temperature may cause the supplemental heat strip to operate, which will use more energy and lead to higher costs.
  • The location of  your thermostat can affect how well it operates. Never install a thermostat on an exterior wall, where it can be affected by outdoor temperatures.
  • Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature when you're sleeping or away from home. Be sure to  adjust the settings with the seasons.
  • Adequate humidity in your home increases the comfort level and cuts heating costs. Don't turn up your thermostat to remove excess humidity; instead briefly run your kitchen or bathroom exhaust fan to help remove excess humidity.
  • To clean your thermostat, gently blow out any dust or lint. If your thermostat is 10 years old or older, consider replacing it with a newer model that is more accurate and efficient.
  • When entertaining in your home, turn down the thermostat a degree or two before your guests arrive. The additional body heat will make up the difference.
• Replace your furnace filter monthly.
• The water heater is the third largest energy user in most homes (after heating and cooling), so pay attention to hot water usage.
  • Set the water heater thermostat to 120 degrees or lower and save approximately 3 to 5 percent in energy costs.
  • Drain the sediment from the tank every six to 12 months.
  • Add a water heater blanket if your water heater was purchased before 1990. (Check your owner's manual before installing.)
  • Switch to cold water for laundry.
  • Fix leaky faucets. A single leak can waste gallons of water in a very short period of time.
  • Install flow-control showerheads and faucet aerators. Look for a flow rate of less than 2.5 gallons per minute for maximum water efficiency. Don't forget―showers use less hot water than baths.
  • Eighty percent of the energy used in an automatic dishwasher goes toward heating the water. Run the dishwasher only when it's full!
  • Insulate your hot water pipes to reduce heat loss and lower your consumption of hot water.

Appliances & Electronics

• Buy ENERGY STAR labeled home appliances. They incorporate advanced technologies that use 10 to 50 percent less energy and water than standard models.
• Activate the "sleep" feature on computers and home office equipment to power down the equipment when it’s not in use.
• Eliminate phantom loads. Many computers, printers and other electronic equipment continue to use energy even when they’re off. Plug them into power strips so they’re easy to shut down.

Insulation & Air Flow

• Add R-49 insulation to your attic to keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. R-49 holds heat better than other types of insulation, easing the burden on your HVAC system.
• Adequate insulation in your attic, ceilings, walls, floors and crawlspaces can save up to 30 percent on your energy bill. In the Midwest, experts recommend nine to 15 inches of blown or blanket insulation in an attic to help retain the heat.
• Consider adding insulation in unfinished basement walls and crawlspaces.
• Check the insulation in crawlspaces periodically for dampness. Wet insulation is far less effective.
• Seal hidden air leaks to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. Always find and seal air leaks before adding more insulation.
• Check your home for air leaks. Common sources of air leaks include:
  • Cracks around doors and windows.
  • Gaps along baseboards.
  • Mail chutes and pet doors.
  • Cracks in brick, siding or foundations.
  • Holes where external lines (phone, cable, etc.) enter your home.
• Plug air leaks with caulking or weather stripping.
  • Use foam or plastic gaskets to insulate drafty electrical outlets along exterior walls. This coule help you save up to 10 percent on your energy bill.
• Weatherize your windows with weather stripping.
  • Apply clear plastic sheeting to the insides of windows. 
• Consider replacing old windows to reduce cold infiltration and improve heat retention. Storm or dual-glazed windows can reduce heat gain by as much as 50 percent. New windows often pay for themselves wihtin five years.

Outside Your Home

Air Conditioning

• Be sure your air conditioner is properly sized and installed correctly for optimal efficiency and comfort. (Remember: a bigger unit isn't always better.)
• Keep all filters and fans clean for efficient operation.
• Have an an HVAC professional inspect the unit before the cooling season begins.
• Click here for energy efficient equipment incentives.

Porch Light

• Install ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs. Many styles will fit easily into existing porch lights.
• Install a new ENERGY STAR qualified outdoor fixture that saves energy through advanced CFL technology, such as motion sensor or a photocell that:
  • Turns the light on only when someone is present.
  • Turns the light on at night and off in the morning.

  Car

  • Leaving your car at home just two days a week will save 1,590 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions each year!
  • Combine trips whenever possible and use mass transit, carpool, walk or bike whenever possible. If you must use your car regularly, follow these tips:
    • Keep your car well maintained to maximize fuel efficiency, safety, and reliability.
    • Check your tire pressure regularly to avoid wear and tear and reduced gas mileage that can result from under-inflated tires.

  Garage

  • If you have an extra refrigerator in your basement or garage, you could save up to $100 a year by unplugging it. If it was manufactured before 1993, the Act On Energy Refrigerator & Freezer Recycling Program will pick up your secondary refrigerator or freezer and recycle it for free. We'll even pay you $35. Click here for more information.

  Thermal Boundary

  • Sealing air leaks will help you enhance your home's comfort and lower your energy bills during the hottest and coldest times of the year.
  • Our Guide to ENERGY STAR Home Sealing offers step-by-step instructions for sealing common air leaks and adding insulation to the attic.

  Landscaping

  • Plant shrubs, bushes and vines next to your home to create dead air spaces that will help insulate the exterior walls in summer and winter. Make sure to leave at least one foot of space between the wall and the fully mature plant.
  • Dense, low-lying trees and shrubbery on the north and northeast sides of your home can help protect your home against wind chill and lower your heating bill.
  • Be sure to plant the right tree in the right place to avoid potential conflicts between the tree and nearby power lines as the tree matures.
  • Call JULIE before you dig at 811 or 1-800-892-0123.

  Inside Your Home

  Attic

  • Air leaks can increase your energy bills and make you uncomfortably hot in summer and cold in winter. Take these steps to prevent air leaks:
    • Be sure attic soffit vents, ridge vents and gable vents are not blocked so air can flow freely through them.
    • Weather-strip and insulate your attic hatch or door to prevent air from escaping from the top of your house.
    • Seal duct connections and seams with duct sealant (also called mastic) or foil-backed tape to reduce leaks.
    • Wrap ducts in insulation (R-6 to R-8 is recommended).
    • Cover ducts with blown insulation.

  Chimney

  • Cover the gaps around chimney and furnace flues with metal flashing and caulk small gaps with high-temperature caulk.

  Plumbing Stack

  • Seal small gaps with caulk.
  • Seal holes up to three inches in diameter with spray foam.
  • Cover spaces larger than three inches with a piece of foam board and seal with spray foam.

  Bedroom

  • Replace fixtures and bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified lighting products.
  • Remember to always turn off the lights when leaving a room.
  • Shopping for a room air conditioner? Consider an ENERGY STAR qualified model -- they use at least 10 percent less energy than standard models.
  • During the winter months, replace your screens with storm windows to provide an extra barrier against the cold.
  • Caulk and weather-strip around windows and doorframes that leak air.
  • If replacing windows, choose ENERGY STAR qualified models designed for your area, and save $20 to $95 each year in energy costs.
  • Keep air registers and vents clear to allow air to flow freely throughout the room.
  • Look for the ENERGY STAR label when shopping for electronic products. ENERGY STAR products use less energy without sacrificing quality or performance.
  • Unplug battery chargers and power adapters when not in use.

  Bathroom

  • Replace your home's five most frequently used light fixtures or the bulbs in them with ENERGY STAR models and save more than $65 each year in energy costs.
  • Remember to always turn off the lights when leaving a room.
  • Install a properly sized ENERGY STAR qualified ventilation fan to control moisture in the air while you shower or bathe, and to control mold and mildew growth.
  • Run the exhaust fan for 15 minutes after showering.
  • Cover and seal all holes that lead from bathroom plumbing, ductwork, or electrical runs.
  • During the winter months, replace your screens with storm windows to provide an extra barrier against the cold.
  • Caulk and weather-strip around windows and door frames that leak air.
  • If replacing windows, choose ENERGY STAR qualified models designed for your area, and save $20 to $95 each year in energy costs.
    • With proper installation to ensure all gaps around them are sealed, ENERGY STAR qualified windows can help improve your comfort, cut drafts, and reduce fading of interior furnishings.
  • Shower instead of taking a bath. A 10-minute shower can use less water than a full bath.
  • Repair any faucet leaks. A leaky faucet can waste gallons of water.

  Home Office

  • Use ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures and light bulbs.
  • Remember to always turn off the lights when leaving a room.
  • Keep air registers and vents clear to allow air to flow freely throughout the room.
  • Seal holes around outlets with an inexpensive outlet gasket.
  • Use a power strip as a central "turn off" point when you are done using equipment.
  • Unplug battery chargers or power adapters when equipment is fully charged or disconnected from the charger.
  • Look for ENERGY STAR qualified cordless phones that feature switch-mode power supplies and "smart" chargers for added energy savings.
  • Save energy and space with an ENERGY STAR qualified multi-function device that combines several capabilities (print, fax, copy, scan).
  • Enable power management features on your home computer and monitor. And look for the ENERGY STAR label when purchasing products for your home office. They use less energy without sacrificing quality or performance.

  Living Room

  • Replace your highest-use light fixtures or the light bulbs in them with ENERGY STAR models.
  • Ceiling fans can provide comfort and help you save on your energy bills.
  • Remember to always turn off the lights when leaving a room.
  • During cold weather, take advantage of the sun's warmth by keeping drapes open during daylight hours.
  • To keep out the heat of the summer sun, close window shades and drapes in warm weather.
  • Use a power strip as a central "turn off" point for electronics, video games, and computers when not in use.
  • Make sure all air registers are clear of furniture or other obstructions so that air can circulate freely.
  • If your home has radiators, place heat-resistant reflectors between the radiators and walls. In the winter, this will help heat the room instead of the wall.
  • During the winter months, replace your screens with storm windows to provide an extra barrier against the cold.
  • Caulk and weather-strip around windows and door frames that leak air.
  • If replacing windows, choose ENERGY STAR qualified models designed for your area, and save $20 to $95 per year in energy costs. With proper installation to ensure all gaps around them are sealed, ENERGY STAR qualified windows can help improve comfort, cut drafts, and reduce fading of interior furnishings.
  • Close the flue damper tightly when not in use. Otherwise, warm or air-conditioned air can easily escape from the house.
  • Look for the ENERGY STAR label when shopping for electronic products. These products use less energy without sacrificing quality or performance.
  • Use caulk or spray foam to seal any holes where pipes or TV/cable wires and vents enter or exit your home.
  • Turn off your big-screen TV when you aren’t watching and save up to 17 cents a day.
  • Unplug battery chargers and power adapters when not in use.

  Kitchen

  • Install ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures or replace standard light bulbs with ENERGY STAR rated CFLs.
  • Remember to always turn off the lights when leaving a room.
  • Make sure all air registers or floor vents are clear of furniture so the air can circulate freely.
  • If your home has radiators, place heat-resistant reflectors between radiators and walls. In the winter, this will help heat the room instead of the wall.
  • Install an ENERGY STAR qualified kitchen range hood to help control moisture and remove odors from cooking.
  • During the winter months, replace your screens with storm windows to provide an extra barrier against the cold.
  • Caulk and weather-strip around windows and door frames that leak air.
  • If replacing windows, choose ENERGY STAR qualified models designed for your area, and save $20 to $95 per year in energy costs. With proper installation to ensure all gaps are sealed around them, ENERGY STAR qualified windows can help improve your comfort, cut drafts, and reduce fading of interior furnishings.
  • Save water by scraping dishes instead of rinsing them before loading in the dishwasher.
  • Eighty percent of the energy used in an automatic dishwasher goes toward heating the water. Run the dishwasher only when it's full, and use the air-dry option if available.
  • Replace your old refrigerator with an ENERGY STAR model and you could save up to $70 a year on electricity.
  • Replace your old refrigerator with an ENERGY STAR model and you could save up to $70 a year on electricity. And think twice before you put the old refrigerator in the garage or other room of your home. Click here for information on recycling your secondary refrigerator or freezer.
  • Check the door gaskets on your refrigerator and freezer by closing the door on a dollar bill. If the bill can be easily pulled from the closed door, you should replace the gasket.
  • Don't pack items in your refrigerator or freezer space too tightly. Your refrigerator and freezer need room to circulate the cold air and operate efficiently. 
  • Vacuum the coils on your refrigerator and freezer at least once every three months. Dirt accumulation on the coils causes the appliance to work harder to keep the contents cool or frozen.
  • Use properly sized pots on stove burners. A six-inch pot on an eight-inch burner wastes over 40 percent of the burner's heat.
    • Cover pots and pans to keep heat in.
  • Use your microwave or toaster oven to reheat or cook small portions. Using the microwave instead of an electric oven can save up to 19 cents a day.
  • Repair any faucet leaks. A leaky faucet can waste gallons of water.
  • YUsing glass cookware will allow you to reduce your oven's baking temperature by 25 degrees.
  • Use cold water when operating your garbage disposal to save energy and move waste through the drain.

  Dining Room

  • Replace light fixtures or the bulbs in them with ENERGY STAR qualified lighting.
  • Remember to always turn off your lights when leaving a room.
    • Turning off just one 60-watt incandescent bulb, that would otherwise burn eight hours a day, can save about $15 per year!
  • Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust your home's temperature settings when you're away or sleeping.
  • Make sure all air registers or floor vents are clear of furniture so that the air can circulate freely.
  • If your home has radiators, place heat-resistant reflectors between radiators and walls.
    • In the winter, this will help heat the room instead of the wall.
  • Apply caulking around door frames and weatherstripping around doors that do not close tightly.
  • If replacing your sliding door, select ENERGY STAR qualified doors instead of regular clear-glass double-paned doors.
  • Seal any holes around your outlets with an inexpensive outlet gasket.

  Basement

  • Selling or giving away an old refrigerator means that someone else will inherit an energy hog for years to come--recycle it instead.
  • New refrigerators are much more energy-efficient than older models. Get rid of the old fridge lurking in the basement and save up to $100 a year. If it was manufactured before 1993, the Act On Energy Refrigerator & Freezer Recycling Program will:
    • Pick it up.
    • Recycle it for free.
    • Pay you $35!
    • Click here for more information.
  • Size your refrigerator to meet your needs.
  • If you must have an extra refrigerator or freezer, buy a new, energy-efficient model.
  • Dehumidifiers can remove excess moisture from the air in your home and make your home more comfortable. The ideal range of relative humidity is between 30 and 50 percent for optimal health and comfort.
  • Set your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
  • Check your system's air filter once a month and replace it at least every three months.
  • Have a licensed contractor perform a pre-season inspection of your HVAC system in the spring and fall to ensure the equipment is operating safely and efficiently.
  • If your furnace is more than 15 years old, or your air conditioner is more than 12 years old, consider replacing it with a more efficient and properly sized unit.
  • To save water, wash full loads of laundry. This simple tip may reduce the number of loads by up to 20 percent. If you must wash a partial load, reduce the level of water appropriately.
  • Purchase a new ENERGY STAR qualified energy-efficient clothes washer if your current model was manufactured before 1994. It will use only about 40 percent of the energy of the older clothes model.
  • Use the cold water setting on your washer for most loads.
  • Don't over-dry your clothes. If your dryer has a moisture sensor, use it to automatically turn the machine off when clothes are done and avoid over drying.
  • Dry full loads, or reduce drying time for partial loads.
  • Reduce the time you spend drying clothes 24 hours per month to 12 hours per month and save 13 cents a day on energy costs.
  • Place a dry towel in the dryer with each load of wet clothes to absorb dampness and reduce drying time.
  • Drying several loads of laundry consecutively will allow you to take advantage of the heat in the dryer drum.
  • Clean the dryer's lint filter after each load. A clean filter allows the air to circulate efficiently and help reduce the drying time.
  • Use caulk or expanding spray foam to seal areas between the sill plate and foundation, in cavities between rim joists and all electrical penetrations, and around pipes (water and gas) and ventilation ducts that pass outside of the house.
  • Vents, ducts, or electrical wires often have holes or gaps around them, which can allow the air in your home to escape, increasing your energy bill and causing more drafts in your house.
    • Seal small gaps with caulk and holes up to three inches in diameter with spray foam.
    • Cover spaces larger than three inches with a piece of foam board and seal with spray foam.