LOW-COST and EASY Projects for the Home

1. Install CFLs (Compact Florescent Lights) in your most used lights. Each 100 watt incandescent bulb, used on average of 4 hours a day, replaced by a CFL will save 112 kilowatt hours a year, or $16.86, when electricity cost $.15 per kilowatt hour. Over their nearly 7 year life expectancy, each will save $115 of electricity.
    
2. Install light timers or motion detectors for outdoor security lights, if this approach accomplishes your objectives. You save money when the lights are off and get added impact by having security lights turn on when needed.
    
3. Install flow restricting shower heads. This saves the energy to heat “extra” water and saves the extra water too.
    
4. Change your heating and air conditioner air filters regularly (can be as often as every month, depending on dust and dog hairs in the air). Clean filters reduce air flow restriction and allow the hot or cold air get to you more quickly, cutting down appliance run time and saving energy.
    
5. Insulate your hot water heater, especially if it is electric. If it is gas, be sure to leave venting areas clear and keep insulation away from hot parts.
    
6. Insulate the hot water pipe leading away from the water heater. This will reduce cooling water from dropping back into the water tank and then causing the thermostat to come on. It will not keep water hot in the long pipes to your distant points of use, but it will keep your tank hotter and thus save energy.
    
7. Install an Energy Star programmable thermostat for your central heating/cooling system. Be sure to place the unit away from hot and cold spots to assure even temperatures and steady operation.
    
8. Plant trees in strategic locations. Trees are often available through your county in the spring. Plant evergreens on the side of your house (not too close) where prevailing winter winds come from. Plant deciduous (leaf dropping trees) to the west to reduce afternoon sun and heat. Plant fruit and nut trees as well. All trees help reduce carbon dioxide!
    
9. Install moveable internal window insulation. Let the sun in during the day and keep the heat in at night and on rainy days.
    
10. Install inside storm windows to increase your window’s insulation value and reduce air infiltration, both causes of high heating bills.
     
11. Install glass fireplace doors to improve efficiency of this least productive heat source. Also, if you seldom use your fireplace, consider using an inflatable chimney stopper to reduce convection drafts when the fireplace is not in use.
     
12. Install aerators on sink faucets to reduce water flow to between .5 and 1 gallon per minute. This saves water and the energy needed to heat it. Note: kitchen faucets may need more flow to effectively fill pots and dish water.
     
13. Double your recipes when cooking those stove intensive family favorites. Freeze the extra portion. Freezing and reheating uses less electricity than cooking a second batch from scratch.

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