Learning Center :: Ten Energy Tips
Consumer Federation of America’s 10 Simple
Ways to Cut Home Energy Costs
Simple Maintenance
- Check furnace or heat pump filters once a month and replace them regularly. A dirty air filter
can increase your energy costs and lead to early equipment failure.
- Get your heating and cooling systems checked once a year. A licensed professional will make
sure that each is operating efficiently and safely. Checkups can identify problems early.
Sealing Unwanted Air Leaks in Your Home
- Install your storm windows in the winter, if you have them. Add them if you don’t have
insulated windows. Or, if you’re looking for replacement windows, choose ones that have earned
the ENERGY STAR, the government’s symbol for energy efficiency.
- Caulk and weather-strip all leaky windows, baseboards and doors.
- Caulk and weather proof all exterior openings for plumbing, and electrical service and look for
other openings that need to be sealed.
- Make sure all attic vents and ducts are properly sealed. Sealing your ducts can save up to $140
annually on energy bills and help you consistently heat every room.
- Check your attic and all accessible exterior walls in your basement or unfinished rooms to
make sure they are well insulated.
Smart Purchases that Save Money
- Install a programmable thermostat--a system that automatically adjusts to different
temperature programs to meet your comfort needs efficiently during different times of the day or
week. A programmable thermostat can save you $100 a year when programmed and used
properly.
- Replace traditional light bulbs and fixtures with compact fluorescents. They cost a bit more,
but they use two-thirds less energy and can last up to ten times longer than incandescent. They
are especially good in high use areas like the kitchen or hard to reach fixtures.
- Look for ENERGY STAR qualified products and appliances for your home. Products that
have earned the ENERGY STAR meet strict energy efficiency criteria set by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy. They use less energy, help
prevent air pollution and reduce energy costs in your home.
For more info, visit www.buyenergyefficient.org.