Carroll County Times Articles
Is It Time to Put Your Home on an Energy Diet?
by Max Morris – September 11, 2005
With rising energy costs, growing foreign energy dependence, air and water pollution, and global warming concerns, maybe it's time to put your home on an energy diet. Like dieting to lose weight, an energy diet for your home is a long-term effort and typically requires some changing of your energy consumption habits. Fortunately, unlike that diet you are on to lose a few pounds, the habit changes are not as difficult, and the results can have a significant positive impact on your wallet. There is a variety of technology and services available to assist in achieving your home energy savings goals. A lot can be done in reducing energy waste without sacrificing comfort or lifestyle. Here are just a few ways that you can make your home more energy efficient.
One of the most common ways to reduce home energy waste and make your home more comfortable year round is to have sufficient insulation in ceilings and exterior walls. This is particularly important if you live in an older home that may have been built before the more stringent insulation requirements of newer homes. Calk leaky window and doorframes and replace worn weather striping. If you have an older home with single pained windows, consider replacing with newer dual paned glass.
Lighting
Although lightbulbs use relatively small amounts of energy compared to major appliances, because there are so many in the typical home, substantial energy savings can be achieved by making some lighting changes. In rooms that are lighted for extended periods of time, such as kitchen, dining area, and family rooms, replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs use only 25% of the energy for the same light output, are much cooler, and last 5 to 10 times longer. Although more expensive than regular bulbs, the price has come down substantially over the past few years. Of course, always turn lights out in rooms that are not in use.
Hot Water System
Your hot water system is a big user of energy in your home. Consider reducing the temperature of the heater thermostat to 140 degrees. This keeps the heater from working so hard to maintain temperature and also can prevent accidental scalding. Have the heater serviced regularly to prevent corrosion and mineral build up. A water heater insulation jacket can also help reduce energy waste. If you are in the market for a new water heater, spend a few extra dollars and buy one with an Energy Star rating. Replace showerheads with water / energy saving heads and use cold-water detergents for washing clothes.
Heating and Cooling
Your heating and cooling systems are probably the single biggest energy consumers in your home. Have your air conditioning system and furnace serviced at least once a year to insure optimum performance. Keep thermostats in a comfortable range: maximum 72 degrees in the winter and minimum of 75 degrees in the summer. Installing ceiling fans can help keep the temperature even in rooms, allowing for a comfortable lower temperature setting in winter and higher temperature in the summer. Faulty ductwork can allow heated or cooled air escape to non-living areas. Service companies are available that can check the efficiency of your ductwork, and seal them if necessary. Not only will this save energy, but it will reduce drafts and make your home more comfortable.
Appliances
The typical home is full of energy consuming appliances. Always turn off televisions, computers, radios, and other similar appliances when not in use. When replacing refrigerators, freezers or air conditioning units, look for the Energy Star rating. Although they may cost a few dollars more, they pay for themselves in energy savings.
Putting your home on an energy diet does not mean living in discomfort or doing without conveniences. With a moderate investment and some simple changes in your energy usage habits, you will enjoy reductions in your electric and heating bills and have a more comfortable home.
About the Author
Max Morris is President of Chessie Energy Systems, LLC (CES) and Advisor for the Carroll Technology Council (www.carrolltechcouncil.org). CES specializes in Electrical System Optimization and Electrical Energy Cost Reduction systems for commercial and industrial facilities.
If you have any technology-related questions you would like covered in upcoming columns, please send us an email to advisors@carrolltechcouncil.org. If possible, we will address your questions.
