How To Save Energy At Home: A Quick Guide

Step 1: Draft Dodging

In the average home, nearly 20 percent of all heat is lost through unprotected openings in widows, doors and floorboards.

If you feel a draft, weather strip your doors and windows and use filler to close up cracks on window frames and floor boards.

To test an area, simply hold your hand or a lit candle, up against a door or window. If you feel cold air coming in … warm air is escaping. And as your mother always said, “Why heat the outside?!”

Step 2: Turn It Down

Turning down your thermostat by just 1 degree can reduce your energy consumption by more than 5%.... And you won't even notice the difference.

And, while you're at it, don't heat rooms you're not using. This can save you cash on your heating bill.

Step 3: Turn It Off

You already know you should turn off any appliances you're not using. This includes switching off lights when you leave a room.

And don't use that “standby” function on your electronics. According to the California Energy Commission, devices set to “standby” still use power, accounting for 35 percent of the wasted energy in your home. Eliminating that this could save $1 billion every year in the U.S.

Step 4: In Hot Water

Your hot water heater does NOT need to be set higher than 140 degrees Fahrenheit, or 60 degrees centigrade. Any higher, and the system automatically adds cold water to cool it back down for use. Now that's just wasteful.

Step 5: Waste Not, Wash Not

Don't run your washing machine unless you've got a full load. If you can't wait, make sure to use the “economy” or “half load” settings.

Modern washing machines work just as effectively at 100 degrees as they do at 140 degrees. But that 100-degree setting cuts carbon emissions by one-third.

Tumble dryers use up a lot of energy, so why not hang your clothes on a line instead? This is better for your clothing AND the environment.

Speaking of washing, taking a shower instead of a bath uses about 50 percent less water and energy.

Step 6: Insulation Installation

Up to one-third of the heat in your home escapes through your roof. You can prevent this by insulating your attic. Not only is it simple to do, but it's the most cost-effective energy-saving measure you can take.

And don't stop there... If you haven't already, insulate your walls. This prevents another third of your heat from escaping.

Step 7: Hit The Breaks

Saving energy is not only good for the earth, it's good for your wallet. Government tax breaks and rebate incentives are often available when you retrofit your home to be as energy efficient as possible.

In the U.S., consumers who install energy-saving equipment in their homes may be eligible for a $500 tax credit. Check your local power authority for more information.

From light bulbs to kitchen gear, there are tons of energy-efficient appliances available on the market. Amazingly, these machines often use 50 percent less energy than other models.

And, after you bring your energy-efficient appliances home, make sure you use them in an energy-efficient way…

Don't boil more water than you need, don't leave the fridge or freezer doors open longer than necessary, don't forget to defrost your freezer regularly, and try give your hot water heater regular check-ups.

And while you're at it, you could save even more by switching to energy-efficient light bulbs.