1. UNPLUG UNUSED APPLIANCES
Do you really need that second refrigerator or freezer? A second refrigerator can cost $60 to $200 per year to run, and a second freezer typically costs $50 to $175 per year.
2. PROGRAM YOUR THERMOSTAT
Set your thermostat to the coolest temperature in the winter and the warmest temperature in the summer that keeps you comfortable — the smaller the gap between your thermostat setpoint and the outdoor temperature, the more you’ll save. You may also benefit from a programmable or smart thermostat if your ducts have been sealed. If you have a heat pump, consult with an HVAC contractor to confirm that an outdoor thermostat is wired to the unit to help save more money during the heating season.
3. SET YOUR HVAC FAN TO “AUTO”
Putting your thermostat fan setting on “auto” rather than “on” ensures that your heating and cooling system runs only when it needs to rather than all of the time. Using the “auto” setting can save up to $300 to $400 per year.
4. REPLACE YOUR MOST FREQUENTLY USED LIGHTS
A 15-watt light-emitting diode (LED) produces the same amount of light as a 60-watt incandescent bulb while using 75 percent less energy and lasting longer. Get started by replacing your most frequently used lights with ENERGY STAR certified LED lightbulbs. These bulbs are energy efficient, produce quality light and will last for years. As an additional way to save, remember to turn off lights whenever possible. Energy-saving tip: Add motion sensors on outdoor security lights.
5. INSTALL A LOW-FLOW SHOWERHEAD
Showers make up about 17 percent of all indoor water use. Replacing a 2.5-gpm showerhead with a low-flow 1.5-gpm showerhead could save 40 percent in water consumption as well as energy used for heating water. Look for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency WaterSense labeled showerheads, which use less water while maintaining a quality spray that easily removes bathing products. Be careful not to twist off the pipe coming out of the wall when replacing the showerhead.
6. REPLACE OLD APPLIANCES
When preparing to replace aging appliances, consider ENERGY STAR certified products. ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators can save you more than $200 over their lifetime, while ENERGY STAR certified clothes washers should save more than $500 and use 30 percent less water. In addition, Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative offers Energy Conservation Rewards to its members who purchase appliances that are ENERGY STAR certified.
7. INSULATE YOUR ATTIC
Attic insulation can be a cost-effective option to help save energy and improve home comfort. To add insulation, ensure that the total insulation depth meets the local building code or has a recommended depth of 12” to 15”. Consider air sealing before insulating your attic to help save money.
8. CONSIDER AIR SEALING
Air sealing gaps, cracks and holes between your conditioned living space and an unconditioned attic will stop heated and cooled air from leaving your home, but adding insulation alone will not. A certified BPI or RESNET contractor will point out air sealing opportunities and also consider combustion safety and potential moisture concerns. Air sealing before insulating your attic will help you save money and improve comfort.
9. CHECK FOR AND REPAIR LEAKY DUCTWORK
It is not unusual for 20 percent of all heating and cooling energy to be lost through leaky duct joints. That means for every $5 spent on heating and cooling, $1 is wasted due to air leakage. You can enjoy the benefits of a good duct system by sealing your ducts with mastic instead of duct tape. Mastic is a gooey paste that can be slathered on ductwork joints in your system. You can check the ductwork closest to your furnace or heat pump fan to see if mastic is used. If it is not, have an HVAC contractor familiar with ENERGY STAR compliant ductwork apply it properly. Repairing leaky ductwork can improve indoor air quality by reducing the risk of pollutants entering ducts and circulating in your home.
10. SMART POWER STRIPS
Turning off your television, computer and video game consoles when not in use can save you up to $80 per year. However, electronics may continue to draw power even when powered “off.” Consider unplugging these or using smart power strips to completely turn off unused electronics while leaving memory-based home entertainment systems in sleep mode.