Energy Saving Tips
Energy efficient buildings require less energy to operate than buildings that are not energy efficient. In todays homes and businesses there are numerous things that can be done to improve the efficiency of the building. These translate to cost savings!
The Facts
Seventy-two percent of all energy consumed in the United States is comsumed by buildings. This tells us that our buildings are NOT very efficient and that are many things we need and can do to improve this. Simply consider the energy loss from leaky buildings. If you seal around windows and doors, electric outlets and switches, outside penetrations into the building, install or add insulation to the walls and ceilings, upgrade appliances, install ceiling fans, heaters and air conditioners to more energy efficient models you can see a remarkable reduction in energy costs immediately. Dual and triple pane vinyl windows with low-E coatings can save between $21-60 per year (in San Diego). Add to that the savings from weather stripping and sealing around windows and doors. Energy Star rated appliances save 20-50%. The biggest energy waster is your old refrigerator-freezer. An energy star washer can save you $145 per year on your utility bills. Energy Star appliances can use up to 20% less energy then models meeting today’s federal standards and 40% less than models prior to 2001. You can also receive local rebates on your new purchase of any Energy Star appliance.
An Energy Star rated:
- Dishwasher saves at least 41%
- Refrigerator saves 50%
- Room air conditioner saves 35%
- Central air conditioner saves 30%
- Gas furnace saves 15-20%
- Gas water heater saves 30%
- Lighting fixtures & CFL bulbs save 75%
The average household spends more than $2200 a year on energy bills – nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. Homeowners can save about $180 a year by properly setting their programable thermostats and maintaining those settings. Sealing the ducts also saves energy loss. Suppose you average a 30% savings that equals $660 per year.