Professional Documents
Culture Documents
SAVERS
BOOKLET
Tips on Saving
EEnergy & Money
at Home
R ight in your own home, you have the power to reduce
energy demand, and when you reduce demand, you
cut the amount of resources, like coal and gas, needed to
make energythat means you create less greenhouse gas
emissions, which keeps air cleaner for all of us and saves
on your utility bills! Plus, reducing energy use increases
our energy security.
Contents
1 Save Energy and Money Today
2 Your Homes Energy Use
4 Insulation and Sealing Air Leaks
10 Heating and Cooling
16 Water Heating
18 Windows
20 Lighting
22 Appliances
29 Home Office and Home Electronics
31 Driving and Car Maintenance
32 Renewable Energy
33 References
This booklet shows you how easy it is to reduce your energy
use at home and on the road. The easy, practical solutions for
saving energy include tips you can use today, throughout your
homefrom the roof, walls, and insulation that enclose it to
the appliances and lights inside. Please take a few moments to
read the valuable tips in this booklet to start saving energy and
money today.
To learn more about U.S. Department of Energy programs
in energy efciency and renewable energy, visit the
Ofce of Energy Efciency and Renewable Energys web site
at www.eere.energy.gov
Save Energy and Money Today
D id you know that the typical U.S.
family spends about $1,900 a year
on home utility bills? Unfortunately, a
Tips to Save Energy Today
Easy low-cost and no-cost
large portion of that energy is wasted. ways to save energy.
And each year, electricity generated
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by fossil fuels for a single home puts
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more carbon dioxide into the air than
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two average cars. And as for the road,
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transportation accounts for 67% of all
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is that there is a lot you can do to save XJUIUIF&/&3(:45"3MBCFM
energy and money at home and in your t "JSESZEJTIFTJOTUFBEPGVTJOHZPVS
car. Start making small changes today EJTIXBTIFSTESZJOHDZDMF
(see sidebar). To cut your energy use up
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to 25%, see the Long-Term Savings Tips
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throughout this booklet.
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The key to achieving these savings in BOE%7%QMBZFST
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efciency plan. To take a whole-house FRVJQNFOUJTOPUJOVTF 57TBOE
approach, view your home as an energy %7%TJOTUBOECZNPEFTUJMMVTF
system with interdependent parts. For TFWFSBMXBUUTPGQPXFS
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a furnaceits a heat-delivery system IPUXBUFSIFBUFSUP'
that starts at the furnace and delivers
heat throughout your home using a t 5BLFTIPSUTIPXFSTJOTUFBEPG
network of ducts. Even a top-of-the- CBUIT
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a lot of fuel if the ducts, walls, attic, DMPUIFT
windows, and doors are not properly
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sealed and insulated. Taking a whole-
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Save Energy and Money Today
spent wisely.
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make your home more comfortable, they FGmDJFODZHVJEFMJOFTTFUCZUIF
can yield long-term nancial rewards. 64%FQBSUNFOUPG&OFSHZBOEUIF
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appliances and improvements over their NPSFFOFSHZTBWJOHJEFBT
lifetimes. In addition, your home could
bring in a higher price when you sell.
1
Your Homes Energy Use
T he rst step to taking a whole-
house energy efciency
approach is to nd out which parts
Check for open replace dampers.
Make sure your appliances and heating
and cooling systems are properly
of your house use the most energy. maintained. Check your owners
A home energy audit will pinpoint manuals for the recommended
those areas and suggest the most maintenance.
effective measures for cutting your
Study your familys lighting needs
energy costs. You can conduct a
and use patterns, paying special
simple home energy audit yourself,
attention to high-use areas such as
contact your local utility, or call an
the living room, kitchen, and outside
independent energy auditor for a
lighting. Look for ways to use lighting
more comprehensive examination.
controlslike occupancy sensors,
For more information about home
dimmers, or timersto reduce lighting
energy audits, including free tools and
energy use, and replace standard
calculators, visit www.energysavers.
(incandescent) light bulbs and xtures
gov or www.natresnet.org.
with compact or standard uorescent
lamps.
Other Formulating Your Plan
Refrigeration 8% After you have identied where your
Space
8%
Appliances Heating home is losing energy, assign priorities
9% 31%
by asking yourself a few important
Computers &
Electronics Space
questions:
9% Cooling How much money do you spend on
Lighting Water
11% Heating 12% energy?
12%
Where are your greatest energy losses?
How We Use Energy in Our Homes How long will it take for an
Heating accounts for the biggest chunk of investment in energy efciency to pay
a typical utility bill. for itself in energy cost savings?
Source: 2007 Buildings Energy Data Book, Table 4.2.1.,
2005 energy cost data.
Do the energy-saving measures
provide additional benets that
Energy Auditing Tips are important to you (for example,
Check the insulation levels in your increased comfort from installing
attic, exterior and basement walls, double-paned, efcient windows)?
ceilings, oors, and crawl spaces.
Your Homes Energy Use
Cool Hot
Attic
Walls
Insulation and Sealing Air Leaks
Floors
Crawl space
Basement
Where to Insulate
Adding insulation in the areas shown above may be the best way to improve your homes energy efciency.
Insulate either the attic oor or under the roof. Check with a contractor about crawl space or basement
insulation.
4
cost effectiveness. For more customized Should I Insulate My Home?
insulation recommendations, visit our
site, www.energysavers.gov, look for Insulate your home when:
Insulation and check out the Zip Code t :PVIBWFBOPMEFSIPNFBOE
Insulation Calculator. This tool provides havent added insulation. Only 20%
insulation levels for your new or existing of homes built before 1980 are
home based on your zip code and other well insulated.
basic information about your home. t :PVBSFVODPNGPSUBCMZDPMEJOUIF
Although insulation can be made from winter or hot in the summer
a variety of materials, it usually comes adding insulation creates a more
in four types; each type has different uniform temperature and increases
characteristics. comfort.
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BEEJUJPO
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Rolls and battsor blanketsare install new siding or roong.
exible products made from mineral
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bers, such as berglass and rock wool.
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They are available in widths suited to outsideinsulation mufes sound.
standard spacings of wall studs and attic
or oor joists: 2x4 walls can hold R-13
Insulation Tips
or R-15 batts; 2x6 walls can have R-19 Consider factors such as your
or R-21 products. climate, building design, and budget
Loose-ll insulationusually made when selecting insulation R-values
of berglass, rock wool, or cellulose in for your home.
the form of loose bers or ber pellets, Use higher density insulation on
it should be blown into spaces using exterior walls, such as rigid foam
special pneumatic equipment. The boards, in cathedral ceilings and on
blown-in material conforms readily to exterior walls.
building cavities and attics. Therefore, Ventilation helps with moisture
loose-ll insulation is well suited for control and reducing summer
places where it is difcult to install other cooling bills. Attic vents can be
types of insulation. installed along the entire ceiling
Rigid foam insulationfoam insulation cavity to help ensure proper airow
typically is more expensive than ber from the soft to the attic to make a
insulation. But its very effective in home more comfortable and energy
Insulation and Sealing Air Leaks
7
6
4 6
5 5
4
3
2 3
Insulation and Sealing Air Leaks
2 2
1
All of Alaska in Zone 7 except for the Zone 1 includes Hawaii,
following boroughs in Zone 8: Guam, Puerto Rico and the
Virgin Islands How Much Insulation
Bethel Northwest Arctic
Dellingham Southeast Fairbanks
Does My Home Need?
Fairbanks N. Star Wade Hampton For insulation recommendations
Nome :VLPO,PZVLVL tailored to your home, visit the DOE Zip
North Slope Code Insulation Calculator at www.ornl.
gov/~roofs/zip/ziphome.html.
* These recommendations are cost-effective levels of insulation based on the best available information
on local fuel and materials costs and weather conditions. Consequently, the levels may differ from
current local building codes.
6
New Construction Today, new products are on the
For new homes in most climates, you market that provide both insulation
will save money and energy if you and structural support and should be
install a combination of cavity insulation considered for new home construction
and insulative sheathing. Cavity or additions. Structural insulated panels,
insulation can be installed at levels known as SIPs, and masonry products
up to R-15 in a 2 in. x 4 in. wall and like insulating concrete forms are
up to R-21 in a 2 in. x 6 in. wall. The among these. Some homebuilders are
insulative sheathing, used in addition to even using an old technique borrowed
this cavity insulation, helps to reduce from the pioneers: building walls using
the energy that would otherwise be straw bales. Check online at www.
lost through the wood frame. The energysavers.gov for more information
table below shows the recommended on structural insulation.
combinations. For example, in Zone Radiant barriers (in hot climates),
5, you could use either a 2x4 wall with reective insulation, and foundation
R-13 or a 2x6 wall with R-21. For either insulation should all be considered for
of those two walls, you should also use new home construction. Check with
an inch of insulative sheathing that has your contractor for more information
an R-value of R-5 or R-6. about these options.
Cathedral Ceiling
_____Wall_____
Electric Furnace
Heat Pump
Sheathing
Insulation
Fuel Oil
Cavity
Floor
Zone
Attic
Gas
7
Sources of Air Leaks in Your Home
Areas that leak air into and out of your home cost you lots of money. Check the areas listed below.
9
Heating and Cooling
H eating and cooling your home
uses more energy and drains
more energy dollars than any other
if in doubt about how to perform
this task, call a professional.
Place heat-resistant radiator
system in your home. Typically, 46% reectors between exterior walls
of your utility bill goes for heating and the radiators.
and cooling. Whats more, heating
Turn off kitchen, bath, and other
and cooling systems in the United
exhaust fans within 20 minutes after
States together emit 150 million tons
you are done cooking or bathing;
of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
when replacing exhaust fans,
each year, adding to global climate
consider installing high-efciency,
change. They also generate about
low-noise models.
12% of the nations sulfur dioxide and
4% of the nitrogen oxides, the chief During the heating season, keep the
ingredients in acid rain. draperies and shades on your south-
facing windows open during the day
No matter what kind of heating, to allow the sunlight to enter your
ventilation, and air-conditioning home and closed at night to reduce
system you have in your house, you the chill you may feel from cold
can save money and increase your windows.
comfort by properly maintaining
During the cooling season, keep the
and upgrading your equipment. But
window coverings closed during the
remember, an energy-efcient furnace
day to prevent solar gain.
alone will not have as great an impact
on your energy bills as using the $ Long-Term Savings Tips
whole-house approach. By combining Select energy-efcient products
proper equipment maintenance and when you buy new heating and
upgrades with appropriate insulation, cooling equipment. Your contractor
air sealing, and thermostat settings, should be able to give you energy
you can cut your energy use for fact sheets for different types,
heating and cooling, and reduce models, and designs to help you
environmental emissions, from 20%
to 50%.
No Heating System
Heating and Cooling Tips 1%
Fuel
Set your thermostat as low as is Oil
Other 7%
comfortable in the winter and 9%
as high as is comfortable in the Natural Gas
summer. 53%
Electricity
Clean or replace lters on furnaces
Heating and Cooling
30%
once a month or as needed.
Clean warm-air registers, baseboard
heaters, and radiators as needed;
make sure theyre not blocked by
furniture, carpeting, or drapes. Household Heating Systems
Although several different types of fuels are
Bleed trapped air from hot-water available to heat our homes, more than half of us
radiators once or twice a season; use natural gas.
10
compare energy usage. For furnaces, will have to work longer to keep your
look for high Annual Fuel Utilization house comfortable. Either way, your
Efciency (AFUE) ratings. The energy losses cost you money.
national minimum is 78% AFUE, but Although minor duct repairs are
there are ENERGY STAR models on easy to make, ducts in unconditioned
the market that exceed 90% AFUE. spaces should be sealed and insulated
For air conditioners, look for a high by qualied professionals using
Seasonal Energy Efciency Ratio appropriate sealing materials. Here
(SEER). The current minimum is 13 are a few simple tips to help with
SEER for central air conditioners. minor duct repairs.
ENERGY STAR models are 14
SEER or more. Duct Tips
Check your ducts for air leaks.
Air Ducts First, look for sections that should
One of the most important systems in be joined but have separated and
your home, though its hidden beneath then look for obvious holes.
your feet and over your head, may be If you use tape to seal your ducts,
wasting a lot of your energy dollars. avoid cloth-backed, rubber adhesive
Your homes duct system, a branching duct tape, which tends to fail
network of tubes in the walls, oors, and quickly. Researchers recommend
ceilings, carries the air from your homes other products to seal ducts: mastic,
furnace and central air conditioner to butyl tape, foil tape, or other heat-
each room. Ducts are made of sheet approved tapes. Look for tape with
metal, berglass, or other materials. the Underwriters Laboratories logo.
Unfortunately, many duct systems Remember that insulating ducts
are poorly insulated or not insulated in the basement will make the
properly. Ducts that leak heated air basement colder. If both the
into unheated spaces can add hundreds ducts and the basement walls are
of dollars a year to your heating and uninsulated, consider insulating
cooling bills. Insulating ducts that are both. Water pipes and drains in
in unconditioned spaces is usually very unconditioned spaces could freeze
cost effective. If you are buying a new and burst in the space if the heat
duct system, consider one that comes ducts are fully insulated, because
with insulation already installed. there would be no heat source to
Sealing your ducts to prevent leaks is prevent the space from freezing in
even more important if the ducts are cold weather. However, using an
located in an unconditioned area such electric heating tape wrap on the
as an attic or vented crawl space. If pipes can prevent this. Check with a
the supply ducts are leaking, heated professional contractor.
Heating and Cooling
11
DuctsOut-of-Sight, Out-of-Mind
The unsealed ducts in your attic and crawlspaces lose air, and uninsulated ducts lose heat, wasting
energy and money.
If your basement has been converted and repairs to a duct system should
to a living area, hire a professional always be performed by a qualied
to install both supply and return professional.
registers in the basement rooms. Ducts that dont work properly can
Be sure a well-sealed vapor create serious, life-threatening carbon
barrier exists on the outside of monoxide (CO) problems in the
the insulation on cooling ducts to home. Install a CO monitor to alert
prevent moisture buildup. you to harmful CO levels if you have
When doing ductwork, be sure to a fuel-burning furnace, stove or other
get professional help. Changes appliance, or an attached garage.
12
Heat Pumps the same house that does not include
Heat pumps are the most efcient form passive solar design.
of electric heating in moderate climates, Passive solar design can also help reduce
providing three times more heating than your cooling costs. Passive solar cooling
the equivalent amount of energy they techniques include carefully designed
consume in electricity. There are three overhangs, windows with reective
types of heat pumps: air-to-air, water coatings, and reective coatings on
source, and ground source. They collect exterior walls and the roof.
heat from the air, water, or ground
outside your home and concentrate it for A passive solar house requires careful
use inside. Heat pumps do double duty design and site orientation, which
as a central air conditioner. They can depend on the local climate. So, if you
also cool your home by collecting the are considering passive solar design for
heat inside your house and effectively new construction or a major remodeling,
pumping it outside. A heat pump can you should consult an architect familiar
trim the amount of electricity you use for with passive solar techniques.
heating by as much as 30% to 40%. Solar Tips
Heat Pump Tips Keep all south-facing glass clean.
Do not set back the heat pumps Make sure that objects do not block
thermostat manually if it causes the the sunlight shining on concrete slab
electric resistance heating to come on. oors or heat-absorbing walls.
This type of heating, which is often
used as a backup to the heat pump, Natural Gas and Oil Heating
is more expensive. If you plan to buy a new heating system,
ask your local utility or state energy
Clean or change lters once a month ofce for information about the latest
or as needed, and maintain the technologies available to consumers.
system according to manufacturers They can advise you about more
instructions. efcient systems on the market today.
For example, many newer models
$ Long-Term Savings Tip incorporate designs for burners and
If you use electricity to heat your heat exchangers that result in higher
home and live in a moderate climate, efciencies during operation and reduce
consider installing an energy- efcient heat loss when the equipment is off.
heat pump system. Consider a sealed combustion furnace;
Solar Heating and Cooling they are both safer and more efcient.
Using passive solar design techniques to Check the shopping guide in the back
heat and cool your home can be of this booklet for additional information
both environmentally friendly and on how to understand heating system
ratings.
Heating and Cooling
look for the ENERGY STAR label. lower your overall cooling bill will be.
Avoid setting your thermostat at a
Air Conditioners colder setting than normal when you
Buying a bigger room air-conditioning turn on your air conditioner. It will
unit wont necessarily make you feel not cool your home any faster and
more comfortable during the hot could result in excessive cooling and,
summer months. In fact, a room air therefore, unnecessary expense.
14
Buildings and TreesNatural Partners
Deciduous trees planted on the south and west sides will help keep your house cool in the summer and
allow sun to shine in the windows in the winter.
Consider using an interior fan in of this booklet will help you nd the
conjunction with your window air right size unit for your needs.
conditioner to spread the cooled air Consider installing a whole-
more effectively through your home house fan or evaporative cooler if
without greatly increasing your power appropriate for your climate. Check
use. out www.energysavers.gov for more
Avoid placing lamps or TV sets near information on efcient cooling.
your air-conditioning thermostat.
The thermostat senses heat from Landscaping
these appliances, which can cause Landscaping is a natural and beautiful
the air conditioner to run longer than way to keep your home cool in
necessary. summer and reduce your energy bills.
A well-placed tree, shrub, or vine
Plant trees or shrubs to shade air
conditioning units but not to block the can deliver effective shade, act as a
airow. Place your room air conditioner windbreak, and reduce your energy
on the north side of the house. A unit bills. Carefully positioned trees can
operating in the shade uses as much as save up to 25% of the energy a typical
10% less electricity than the same one household uses for energy. Research
operating in the sun. shows that summer daytime air
Heating and Cooling
16
Although most water heaters last
Activity Gallons per Use
1015 years, its best to start shopping
now for a new one if yours is more Clothes washing 32
than 7 years old. Doing some research Showering 20
before your heater fails will enable
Bathing 20
you to select one that most
appropriately meets your needs. Automatic 12
dishwashing
$ Long-Term Savings Tips Preparing food 5
Buy a new energy-efcient water
Hand dishwashing 4
heater. While it may cost more initially
than a standard water heater, the Source: ACEEE
energy savings will continue during
the lifetime of the appliance. Look for
the ENERGY STAR and EnergyGuide More than 1.5 million homes and
labels. businesses in the United States
Look for the ENERGY STAR label on have invested in solar water heating
efcient water heaters in the following systems, and surveys indicate that
categories: high efciency gas non- more than 94% of these customers
condensing, gas condensing, electric consider the systems a good
heat pump, gas tankless, and solar. investment. Solar water heating
systems are also good for the
Consider installing a drain water waste environment. Solar water heaters
heat recovery system. A recent DOE avoid the greenhouse gas emissions
study showed energy savings of 25% associated with electricity production.
to about 30% for water heating using During a 20-year period, one solar
such a system. water heater can avoid more than 50
Consider natural gas on-demand or tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
tankless water heaters. Researchers When shopping for a solar water
have found savings can be up to 30% heater, look for the ENERGY STAR
compared with a standard natural gas label and for systems certied by
storage tank water heater. the Solar Rating and Certication
Heat pump water heaters can be very Corporation or the Florida Solar
cost-effective in some areas. Energy Center.
17
Windows
W indows can be one
of your homes most
attractive features.
Windows provide views,
daylighting, ventilation, and
solar heating in the winter.
Unfortunately, they can also
account for 10% to 25% of
your heating bill. During the
summer, your air conditioner
must work harder to cool
hot air from sunny windows.
Install ENERGY STAR
windows and use curtains
and shade to give your air
conditioner and energy bill
a break. If you live in the Cold-Climate Windows Keep Heat In
Sun Belt, look into low-e Double-pane windows with low-e coating on the glass reect
windows, which can cut the heat back into the room during the winter months.
cooling load by 10% to 15%.
If your home has single- Cold-Climate Window Tips
pane windows, as many U.S. homes You can use a heavy-duty, clear plastic
do, consider replacing them with sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic
new double-pane windows with lm to the inside of your window
high-performance glass (e.g., low-e frames during the cold winter months.
or spectrally selective). In colder Remember, the plastic must be sealed
climates, select windows that are gas tightly to the frame to help reduce
lled with low emissivity inltration.
(low-e) coatings on the glass to reduce Install tight-tting, insulating window
heat loss. In warmer climates, select shades on windows that feel drafty
windows with spectrally selective after weatherizing.
coatings to reduce heat gain. If you are Close your curtains and shades at
building a new home, you can offset night; open them during the day.
some of the cost of installing more Keep windows on the south side of your
efcient windows because they house clean to let in the winter sun.
allow you to buy smaller, less
expensive heating and cooling Install exterior or interior storm
equipment. windows; storm windows can reduce
heat loss through the windows by 25%
If you decide not to replace your to 50%. Storm windows should have
windows, the simpler, less costly weatherstripping at all movable joints;
measures listed here can improve their be made of strong, durable materials;
Windows
19
Lighting than incandescent bulbs initially, over
their lifetime they are cheaper because
of how little electricity they use. CFL
Indoor Lighting
Use linear uorescent tubes and energy
efcient compact uorescent light
bulbs (CFLs) in xtures throughout
your home to provide high-quality and
high-efciency lighting. Fluorescent
lamps are much more efcient than
incandescent (standard) bulbs and last
about 6 to 12 times longer.
Todays CFLs offer brightness and
color rendition that is comparable to
Lighting
20
Outdoor Lighting
Many homeowners use outdoor
lighting for decoration and security.
When shopping for outdoor lights,
you will nd a variety of products,
from low-voltage pathway lighting
to motion-detector oodlights. Light
emitting diodes, or LEDs, thrive in
outdoor environments because of
their durability and performance in
cold weather. Look for ENERGY
STAR LED products such as pathway
lights, step lights, and porch lights for
outdoor use.
Outdoor Lighting Tips
&/&3(:45"3RVBMJmFE$'-TBSFBWBJMBCMFJO Because outdoor lights are usually
sizes and shapes to t in almost any xture. left on a long time, using CFLs
in these xtures will save a lot of
ENERGY STAR qualied xtures energy. Most bare spiral CFLs can be
distribute light more efciently and used in enclosed xtures that protect
evenly than standard xtures and they them from the weather.
deliver convenient features such as CFLs are also available as ood
dimming on some indoor models. lights. These models have been tested
Controls such as timers and photo to withstand the rain and snow so
cells save electricity by turning lights they can be used in exposed xtures.
off when not in use. Dimmers save Most though, cannot be used with
electricity when used to lower light motion detectors.
levels. Be sure to select products that Look for ENERGY STAR qualied
are compatible with CFL bulbs; not all xtures that are designed for outdoor
products work with CFLs. use and come with features like
When remodeling, look for recessed automatic daylight shut-off and
downlights, or cans, that are rated for motion sensors.
contact with insulation (IC rated).
Take advantage of daylight by using
light-colored, loose-weave curtains LEDA New Kind of Light
on your windows to allow daylight to
Light emitting diodes, or LEDs, offer
penetrate the room while preserving
CFUUFSMJHIURVBMJUZUIBOJODBOEFTDFOU
privacy. Also, decorate with lighter bulbs, last 25 times as long, and use
colors that reect daylight. even less energy than CFLs. Look for
If you have torchiere xtures with &/&3(:45"3RVBMJmFE-&%QSPEVDUTBU
halogen lamps, consider replacing them home improvement centers and lighting
with compact uorescent torchieres. showrooms.
Compact uorescent torchieres use
60% to 80% less energy and do not get
Lighting
21
and 28 lists some of the major appliances
Appliances that carry the ENERGY STAR label and
provides helpful information on what to
22
Let your dishes air dry; if you dont
Whats a kilowatt?
have an automatic air-dry switch,
When you use electricity to cook a pot of turn off the control knob after the
rice for 1 hour, you use 1000 watt-hours of nal rinse and prop the door open
FMFDUSJDJUZ0OFUIPVTBOEXBUUIPVSTFRVBMT slightly so the dishes will dry faster.
LJMPXBUUIPVS
PSL8I:PVSVUJMJUZCJMM
usually shows what you are charged for the
kilowatt-hours you use. The average residential
$ Long-Term Savings Tip
rate is 9.4 cents per kWh. A typical U.S. When shopping for a new
household consumes about 11,000 kWh per dishwasher, look for the ENERGY
year, costing an average of $1,034 annually. STAR label to nd a dishwasher that
uses less water and 41% less energy
than required by federal standards.
Dishwasher Tips
Check the manual that came with your
dishwasher for the manufacturers Refrigerators
recommendations on water The EnergyGuide label on new
temperature; many have internal refrigerators tells you how much
heating elements that allow you to electricity in kilowatt-hours (kWh) a
set the water heater in your home particular model uses in one year. The
to a lower temperature (120F). smaller the number, the less energy
Scrape, dont rinse, off large the refrigerator uses and the less it
food pieces and bones. Soaking will cost you to operate. In addition
or prewashing is generally only to the EnergyGuide label, dont forget
recommended in cases of burned-on to look for the ENERGY STAR label.
or dried-on food. A new refrigerator with an ENERGY
Be sure your dishwasher is full, but STAR label uses at least 20% less
not overloaded, when you run it. energy than required by current
Avoid using the rinse hold on your federal standards and 40% less energy
machine for just a few soiled dishes. than the conventional models sold in
It uses 3 to 7 gallons of hot water each 2001.
time you use it.
23
Refrigerator/Freezer Energy Tips Cover liquids and wrap foods stored
Look for a refrigerator with in the refrigerator. Uncovered foods
automatic moisture control. release moisture and make the
Models with this feature have been compressor work harder.
engineered to prevent moisture
accumulation on the cabinet exterior
$ Long-Term Savings Tip
Look for the ENERGY STAR label
without the addition of a heater.
when buying a new refrigerator. Select
This is not the same thing as an
a new refrigerator that is the right
anti-sweat heater. Models with an
size for your household. Top freezer
anti-sweat heater will consume 5%
models are more energy efcient than
to 10% more energy than models
side-by-side models. Features like
without this feature.
icemakers and water dispensers, while
Dont keep your refrigerator or convenient, will increase energy use.
freezer too cold. Recommended
temperatures are 37 to 40F for
the fresh food compartment of the
refrigerator and 5F for the freezer
section. If you have a separate
freezer for long-term storage, it
should be kept at 0F.
To check refrigerator temperature,
place an appliance thermometer in
a glass of water in the center of the
refrigerator. Read it after 24 hours.
To check the freezer temperature,
place a thermometer between frozen
packages. Read it after 24 hours.
Regularly defrost manual-defrost
refrigerators and freezers; frost
buildup decreases the energy
efciency of the unit. Dont allow
frost to build up more than one-
quarter of an inch.
Make sure your refrigerator door
seals are airtight. Test them by
closing the door over a piece of
paper or a dollar bill so it is half
in and half out of the refrigerator.
If you can pull the paper or bill
out easily, the latch may need
adjustment, the seal may need
replacing, or you might consider
ENERGY STAR Refrigerators Are Cool!
Appliances
24
Other Energy-Saving Kitchen Tips or cold water setting on your machine
Be sure to place the faucet lever on the will generally do a good job of
kitchen sink in the cold position when cleaning your clothes. Switching your
using small amounts of water; placing temperature setting from hot to warm
the lever in the hot position uses can cut a loads energy use in half.
energy to heat the water even though it
may never reach the faucet. Laundry Tips
Wash your clothes in cold water
If you need to purchase a natural gas using cold-water detergents
oven or range, look for one with an whenever possible.
automatic, electric ignition system.
An electric ignition saves natural gas Wash and dry full loads. If you
because a pilot light is not burning are washing a small load, use the
continuously. appropriate water-level setting.
In natural gas appliances, look for Dry towels and heavier cottons in
blue ames; yellow ames indicate a separate load from lighter-weight
the gas is burning inefciently and an clothes.
adjustment may be needed. Consult the Dont over-dry your clothes. If your
manufacturer or your local utility. machine has a moisture sensor, use it.
Keep range-top burners and reectors Clean the lint lter in the dryer
clean; they will reect the heat better, after every load to improve air
and you will save energy. circulation.
Use a covered kettle or pan to boil Use the cool-down cycle to allow
water; its faster and it uses less energy. the clothes to nish drying with the
Match the size of the pan to the heating residual heat in the dryer.
element. Periodically inspect your dryer vent
Use small electric pans or toaster ovens to ensure it is not blocked. This will
for small meals rather than your large save energy and may prevent a re.
stove or oven. A toaster oven uses a Manufacturers recommend using
third to half as much energy as a full- rigid venting material, not plastic
sized oven. vents that may collapse and cause
blockages.
Use pressure cookers and microwave
ovens whenever it is convenient Consider air-drying clothes on
to do so. They will save energy by clothes lines or drying racks. Air-
signicantly reducing cooking time. drying is recommended by clothing
manufacturers for some fabrics.
Laundry
About 90% of the energy used for $ Long-Term Savings Tips
washing clothes in a conventional Look for the ENERGY STAR and
top-load washer is for heating the water. EnergyGuide labels. ENERGY
There are two ways to reduce the amount STAR clothes washers clean clothes
of energy used for washing clothesuse using 50% less energy than standard
Appliances
less water and use cooler water. Unless washers. Most full-sized ENERGY
youre dealing with oily stains, the warm
25
How Much Electricity Do Appliances Use?
This chart shows how much energy a typical appliance uses per year and its corresponding cost
based on national averages. For example, a refrigerator uses almost ve times the electricity the
average television uses. Visit www.energysavers.gov for instructions on calculating the electrical
use of your appliances.
26
Major Appliance
Shopping Guide
This easy-to-read guide may help you
understand how appliances are rated for
efciency, what the ratings mean, and what to
look for while shopping for new appliances.
Air-Source Look for the EnergyGuide label that If you live in a cool climate, look for a heat
Heat Pumps lists the SEER (Seasonal Energy QVNQXJUIBIJHI)41'&/&3(:45"3IFBU
Efciency Ratio) and HSPF (Heating pumps are about 20% more efcient than
Seasonal Performance Factor) for heat standard models. Contact a professional for
pumps. The SEER measures the energy advice on purchasing a heat pump.
efciency during the cooling season
and HSPF measures the efciency
EVSJOHUIFIFBUJOHTFBTPO5IF&/&3(:
STAR minimum efciency level is
13 SEER or higher.
Central Air Look for the EnergyGuide label with "JSDPOEJUJPOFSTUIBUCFBSUIF&/&3(:
Conditioners a SEER for central air conditioners. STAR label may be 25% more efcient than
5IF&/&3(:45"3NJOJNVNFGmDJFODZ standard models. Contact a professional for
level is 13 SEER. advice on sizing a central air system.
Room Air Look for the EnergyGuide label with an What size to buy?
Conditioners EER (Energy Efciency Ratio) for room Area in Btu/ Two major factors
air conditioners. The higher the EER, square feet hour should guide your
UIFNPSFFGmDJFOUUIFVOJUJT&/&3(: purchase: correct
STAR units are among the most energy- 100 to 150 5,000 size and energy
efcient products. 150 to 250 6,000 efciency. If the
250 to 350 7,000 room is very sunny,
350 to 450 9,000 increase capacity
400 to 450 10,000 by 10%. If the unit
450 to 550 12,000 is for a kitchen,
increase the
Appliances
27
Appliances Rating Special Considerations
Programmable 'PSNJOJNVN&/&3(:45"3FGmDJFODZ
-PPLGPSBUIF&/&3(:45"3MBCFMBOE
Thermostats thermostats should have at least two a thermostat that allows you to easily
programs, four temperature settings use two separate programs, one that
each, a hold feature that allows users can be programmed to reach the desired
to temporarily override settings, and the temperature at a specic time, and a
ability to maintain room temperature hold feature that temporarily overrides
within 2F of desired temperature. the setting without deleting the preset
programs.
Water Heaters Look for the EnergyGuide label that If you typically need a lot of hot water at
tells how much energy the water once, the FHR will be important to you.
heater uses in one year. Also, look for Sizing is importantcall your local utility
the FHR (rst hour rating) of the water for advice.
heater, which measures the maximum
hot water the heater will deliver in the
mSTUIPVSPGVTF&/&3(:45"3MBCFMFE
water heaters available January 2009.
Windows Look for the NFRC (National Look at the Climate Region Map on the
Fenestration Rating Council) label that &/&3(:45"3MBCFMUPCFTVSFUIBUUIF
provides U-values and SHGC (solar heat window, door, or skylight you have selected
gain coefcient) values. The lower the is appropriate for where you live.
U-value, the better the insulation.
Refrigerators Look for the EnergyGuide label that Look for energy-efcient refrigerators and
and Freezers tells how much electricity, in kWh, the freezers. Refrigerators with freezers on top
refrigerator will use in one year. The are more efcient than those with freezers
smaller the number, the less energy it on the side. Also look for heavy door hinges
VTFT&/&3(:45"3SFGSJHFSBUPSTVTFBU that create a good door seal.
MFBTUMFTTFOFSHZUIBOSFRVJSFECZ
federal standards.
Dishwashers Look for the EnergyGuide label that Look for features that will reduce water
tells how much electricity, in kWh, the use, such as booster heaters and smart
dishwasher will use in one year. The controls. Ask how many gallons of water
smaller the number, the less energy it the dishwasher uses during different
Major Appliances Shopping Guide
Major Appliances Shopping Guide
Clothes Look for the EnergyGuide label that Look for the following design features that
Washers tells how much electricity, in kWh, the help clothes washers cut water usage:
clothes washer will use in one year. The water level controls, suds-saver features,
smaller the number, the less energy is spin cycle adjustments, and large capacity.
VTFT&/&3(:45"3DMPUIFTXBTIFST 'PSEPVCMFUIFFGmDJFODZ
CVZBO&/&3(:
use less than 50% of the energy used STAR unit.
by standard washers.
28
Home Ofce and Home Electronics
I n the U.S., nearly 4.2 million
people worked from home in 2000,
up from 3.4 million in 1990. Working
Shop for ENERGY STAR
Products for Ofces
from home saves energy and time by t $PNputers
cutting out the commute, but it may t $PQJFST
increase your home energy bills a lot t 'BY.BDIJOFT
unless you use energy-saving ofce t .POJUPST
equipment. t .VMUJGVODUJPO%FWJDFT
ENERGY STAR labeled ofce (fax, scanner, copier)
equipment is widely available: it t 1SJOUFST
provides users with dramatic savings, t 4DBOOFST
as much as 90% savings for some
products. Overall, ENERGY STAR
labeled ofce products use about half machines when they are not in
the electricity of standard equipment. use can result in enormous energy
Along with saving energy directly, savings.
this equipment can reduce air- An ENERGY STAR labeled
conditioning loads, noise from fans computer uses 70% less electricity
and transformers, and electromagnetic than computers without this
eld emissions from monitors. designation. If left inactive,
ENERGY STAR labeled desktop
Home Office Tips computers enter a sleep mode and
Selecting energy-efcient ofce use 4 watts or less.
equipmentpersonal computers
(PCs), monitors, copiers, printers,
and fax machinesand turning off
29
Spending a large portion of time
in low-power mode not only saves
Shop for ENERGY STAR
energy, but helps equipment run Home Electronics
cooler and last longer. t $PSEMFTT1IPOFT
t 5FMFWJTJPOT
To maximize savings with a laptop,
put the AC adapter on a power strip t 7$3TBOE%7%1MBZFST
that can be turned off (or will turn t $PNCJOBUJPO6OJUT 577$3
off automatically); the transformer 57%7%
in the AC adapter draws power t )PNF"VEJP
continuously, even when the laptop t 4FU5PQ#PYFT
is not plugged into the adapter.
Common misconceptions sometimes
kitchen appliances. These phantom
account for the failure to turn off
loads can be avoided by unplugging
equipment. Many people believe
the appliance or using a power strip
that equipment lasts longer if it is
and using the switch on the power strip
never turned off. This incorrect
to cut all power to the appliance.
perception carries over from the
days of older mainframe computers. Unplug battery chargers when the
batteries are fully charged or the
ENERGY STAR labeled computers chargers are not in use.
and monitors save energy only when
Studies have shown that using
the power management features
rechargeable batteries for products
are activated, so make sure power
like cordless phones and PDAs is
management is activated on your
more cost effective than throwaway
computer.
batteries. If you must use throaways,
There is a common misconception check with your trash removal
that screen savers reduce energy use company about safe disposal options.
by monitors; they do not. Automatic
switching to sleep mode or manually
turning monitors off is always the
better energy-saving strategy.
30
Driving and Car Maintenance
T ransportation accounts for 67% of
U.S. oil usemainly in the form of
gasoline. Luckily, there are plenty of
Car Maintenance Tips
Use the grade of motor oil
recommended by your cars
ways to improve gas mileage. manufacturer. Using a different
motor oil can lower your gasoline
Driving Tips
mileage by 1% to 2%.
Idling gets you 0 miles per gallon.
The best way to warm up a vehicle is Keep tires properly inated and
to drive it. No more than 30 seconds aligned to improve your gasoline
of idling on winter days is needed. mileage by around 3.3%.
Anything more simply wastes fuel Get regular engine tune-ups and car
and increases emissions. maintenance checks to avoid fuel
Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid economy problems due to worn
acceleration, and hard braking) spark plugs, dragging brakes, low
wastes gas. It can lower your transmission uid, or transmission
highway gas mileage 33% and problems.
city mileage 5%. Replace clogged air lters to
Avoid high speeds. Above 60 mph, improve gas mileage by as much
gas mileage drops rapidly. as 10% and protect your engine.
Clear out your car; extra weight Combine errands into one trip.
decreases gas mileage by 1% to 2% for Several short trips, each one taken
every 100 pounds. from a cold start, can use twice as
much fuel as one trip covering the
Reduce drag by placing items inside
same distance when the engine is
the car or trunk rather than on roof
warm.
racks. A roof rack or carrier
provides additional $ Long-Term Savings Tip
cargo space Consider buying a highly
and may fuel-efcient vehicle. A fuel-
allow you to efcient vehicle, a hybrid
buy a smaller vehicle, or an alternative
car. However, fuel vehicle could save you
a loaded a lot at the gas pump and
roof rack can help the environment. See
the Fuel Economy Guide
Driving and Car Maintenance
decrease your
fuel economy (www.fueleconomy.gov)
by 5% or more. for more on buying a
new fuel-efcient car or
Check into
truck.
telecommuting,
carpooling and
public transit to
cut mileage and car
maintenance costs.
31
Renewable Energy
Y ou have many options for using
renewable energy at homefrom
solar-powered outdoor lights to buying
and a good solar resource, you might
want to consider generating your
own electricity using PV cells. New
renewable energy from your utility products are available that integrate
to even producing solar electricity at PV cells with the roof, making them
home with photovoltaic (PV) cells. much less visible than older systems.
actually the most cost-effective use Your power provider will connect your
of solar energy. system to the electricity grid and buy
any excess power you produce.
$ Long-Term Savings Tip
Your state, city, or utility offers
If youve made your home as
rebates, tax credits, or other incentives.
energy efcient as possible, and
Visit www.dsireusa.org to nd out
you have very high electricity bills
about nancial incentives in your area.
32
References
American Council for an ENERGY SAVERS
Energy-Efcient Economy www.energysavers.gov
www.aceee.org/consumer/
ENERGY STAR
Census Bureau Press Release, www.energystar.gov
Information on Home Workers
October 20, 2004. CB04-183. Home Energy Magazine
www.homeenergy.org
DOE Building America
www.BuildingAmerica.gov Rocky Mountain Institute
Home Energy Briefs
DOE Building Technologies Program www.rmi.org
www.buildings.energy.gov
Wilson, Alex; Thorne, Jennifer; Morrill, John.
DOE Building Technologies Program, Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings,
2007 Buildings Energy Databook 8th Edition. 2003. Washington, D.C.: ACEEE
buildingsdatabook.eere.energy.gov
DOE Consumer Guide to Energy Efciency and
Renewable Energy
www.eere.energy.gov/consumer
DOE/EPA Fuel Economy Guide
www.fueleconomy.gov
DOE Energy Information Administration
Residential Energy Consumption Survey 2005
www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/recs/contents.html
33
VVisit www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/
tto order booklets, download the PDF, and view the booklet online.
A Strong Energy Portfolio for a Strong America For more information contact:
Energy efciency and clean, renewable energy will mean a EERE Information Center
stronger economy, a cleaner environment, and greater energy 1-877-EERE-INF (1-877-337-3463)
independence for America. Working with a wide array of state, www.eere.energy.gov
community, industry, and university partners, the U.S. Department
of Energys Ofce of Energy Efciency and Renewable Energy
invests in a diverse portfolio of energy technologies.
October 2008
Printed with renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50% wastepaper,
including 10% postconsumer waste. Inside illustrations 1998 Greening America
Printing paid for by the partner organization identied on the back cover.