Conserving Energy W/ An Energy Audit

Conserving energy is a high priority for many households in order to reduce utility costs and protect the environment. Being smart about how energy is used in your home and taking measures to reduce your use will pay dividends in your annual energy bills. As the saying goes, “a penny saved is a penny earned” and simple practices that save even small amounts will add up to a more efficient household in the long run.

Though it can be costly, an energy audit of your home may well be worth the initial investment. Find a reliable resource in your community and you will begin conserving energy right away. By hiring a professional to conduct an energy audit you will learn where the energy leaks are in your home. Installing new windows and doors, weather stripping around cracks and putting a thick layer of insulation in the attic are all common recommendations to help plug the holes where costly warm and cool air are escaping your house. A home’s heating and air conditioning systems account for the largest portion of your energy bill so conserving energy is these areas is your number one priority.

If an energy audit is not in your budget, you can still impact your energy use through some common-sense practices. Seal off any rooms that are not in regular use. This means closing the air vents and shutting the door. There is no reason to climate-control a room that is not used. Dial down the thermostat a few degrees and dial up the A/C. Reduce your water temperature and used cold water for clothes washing. Many water heaters come with a vacation mode which allows you to turn the temperature way down while you are out of town.

Delivering water to your home requires a huge amount of energy and is an often-overlooked way to conserve energy. Be aware of your water use and turn off the tap whenever you can. That means repairing leaky faucets and running toilets, shutting the water off while brushing your teeth and investigating other ways to limit water use. Keep a pitcher or watering can handy and fill with all those half-drunk glasses of water and cooking water. Use this “reclaimed” water to give your houseplants their daily drink. Capture water from your roof and gutters by placing a rain barrel under each downspout. Use this free water for your lawn and landscaping. Don’t wash the car in the driveway but take it to a carwash that uses reclaimed water.

The kitchen is a place where you can conserve energy with a few thoughtful adjustments. Replace energy-sucking older refrigerators with an Energy Star model. Plan your trips to the fridge and get everything out that you need on one trip rather than opening it multiple times. Prepare large batches of food like sauces, stews and soups and freeze them. Not only will you save time in the kitchen but turning on the stove for one big batch conserves more energy than making several small meals.