ee
energy efficiency
epa
Appliance and Lighting Improvements
STEPS THAT COST MORE THAN $200
>> These steps are most cost effective if
replacing or remodeling; each step pro-
duces an average annual savings of $28.
Switch to an energy-efficient clothes washer and dryer
Install an energy-efficient range with electronic ignition,
if gas
Buy an Energy Star refrigerator and freezer. Opt for a
chest freezer instead of an upright and choose the
smallest models feasible
Get an Energy Star dishwasher with a booster heater
Switch to Energy Star electronics and lighting fixtures
Opt for an LCD TV over a plasma one
Paint walls in light colors to reflect light
Consider skylights or sun tunnels for natural light
STEPS THAT ARE FREE OR LOW COST
>> Each step has an average annual savings
of $17; steps are listed from largest money
savers to smallest.
Change to Energy Star CFL bulbs
Use the microwave instead of the oven
Air dry clothes on a clothesline or rack
Turn off computer when not in use
Use area lights instead of whole-room lighting
Make use of natural light when possible
Opt for LED night lights and Christmas lights
Use energy-saving settings on appliances
Keep pilot lights off on gas range, especially in summer
Air dry dishes
Insulate under and around sides of waterbed
Keep waterbed covered during day
Use dimmer switches on incandescent fixtures
Use lowest wattage bulbs feasible
Keep refrigerator at 37° to 40°F ( 3°- 5°C) and freezer
at 5°F (- 15°C)
Use one higher-wattage bulb instead of multiple
lower-wattage bulbs
Run dishwasher and washing machine full
Turn off lights when leaving a room
Keep seals tight on oven and refrigerator doors
Clean lint filter in dryer and keep dryer vent clear
ClICK: see a more complete list of energy
efficiency options: solartoday.org/ee
Maintain air circulation around refrigerator
Seal food in refrigerator
Defrost freezer before ice builds up
Don’t open door of oven unnecessarily
Keep gas flames blue, not yellow
Keep oven clean
Keep burners, reflectors clean on range
Clean filter screen in dishwasher
Heating, Cooling, Ventilation
and Water-Heating Improvements
STEPS THAT COST MORE THAN $200
>> In general, these have a payback period
of under five years.
Install attic or whole-house fan
Insulate attic
Insulate basement walls
Insulate exterior walls
Insulate floor
Insulate heating and cooling ducts
Install a radiant barrier below the roof
Seal air leaks from inside
Seal heating and cooling ducts (use duct sealant/
mastic, not duct tape)
Install thermal shades, shutters or heavy curtains
Use room air conditioner in place of central air
conditioning
STEPS THAT COST MORE THAN $200
>> These steps are most cost effective if
replacing or remodeling; each step pro-
duces an average annual savings of $53.
Install cool-roof coating in hot climates
Install energy-efficient hot water heater
Upgrade to Energy Star central and room air
conditioners
Purchase an Energy Star dehumidifier for hot weather
Replace existing furnace with an Energy Star furnace
Install Energy Star windows
Install an evaporative cooler in hot climates
Plant a green roof
Install a heat pump or geothermal heat pump
Install a heat reclaimer ( This is a stovepipe accessory
that extracts heat from the flue.)
Install a heat-recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy-
recovery ventilator (ERV) (This can recapture 65
to 80 percent of heat from outgoing airstream.)
Install a humidifier in heating system
Upgrade kitchen, bath, laundry room fans
Install an induced draft fan on combustion appliances
Add insulated exterior doors
Integrate ventilation into central heating and
cooling systems
Install a modulating aquastat ( This senses outside tem-
perature and keeps a boiler only as hot as necessary.)
Consider outside air sources for combustion appliances
Add polystyrene to outside of slab foundation
Install vapor barriers in walls and ceiling
Reduce window exposure on north, east (less than
4 percent of floor area), and west side (less than
2 percent) of building
Install ridge vents at the roof peak and soffit vents
at the eaves
Install rigid foam insulation and air barrier under siding
Separate heat zones
Vent damper on furnace and hot water heater to restrict
loss of heat after shut down
Place windows or vents to maximize cross ventilation
STEPS THAT ARE FREE OR LOW COST
>> After taking some of these steps, users
should see an average annual savings
of about $24. Steps are listed in order of
money savings, from largest to smallest.
Install a programmable thermostat
Maintain, tune-up furnace and air conditioner
Open windows on summer evenings to catch
cool breezes
Set thermostat for less energy use; dress appropriately
Close doors and vents in unused rooms
Use fans in summer instead of the air conditioner
Wash clothes in cold water
Install weather stripping on doors and windows
Keep water heater temperature at 115°F ( 46°C)
Clean or replace filters on furnace and air conditioner
every 90 days
Unblock, clean heating registers and vents
Install glass doors on fireplaces
Close draperies, curtains at night in winter
Repair broken or cracked windows
Caulk holes on exterior
Install foam gaskets on outlets and switches
Insulate water heater
Place plastic sheet on dirt floor in crawlspace
Close fireplace dampers and seal chimney if unused
Repair leaky faucets
Flush out sediment in water heater once a year
Take shorter showers
Take showers instead of baths
Insulate attic access door
Insulate attic fan opening in winter
Remove room air conditioner, seal opening in winter
Have cold meals in summer
Turn off furnace pilot light when not in use
Minimize use of bath, kitchen fans
