Outside the house
A unit / C
When purchasing new heating and cooling systems as central air conditioning, sizing and quality of the installation are designed for energy efficiency and comfort of home. Remember: Bigger is not always better. Large plants can be reduced comfort and excessive noise. Oversizing can the life of the cycling team on and off more frequently to shorten as a unit in the correct size. However, undersized to reduce plant efficiency and accelerate the wear of system components, resulting in premature failure. Find out more about the quality of heating and air conditioning.
Undertake have matched cooling equipment by a professional.
Porch Light
Smiles The porch light or pole is one of the largest installations of light can be used in a house, and is the ideal place to install ENERGY STAR instead of certified lighting products. Many compact fluorescent light (CFL) fit easily into existing porch lights. Or install a new Energy Star certification outdoor lighting energy-saving CFL thanks to the latest technology, a motion sensor and / or a photocell that converts light only when a person or in the night and morning.
Promises, lamps and lighting products certified to replace ENERGY STAR lamps.
/ Garage
Give your car a break. Combine trips whenever possible. Use mass transit, walk or bike whenever possible. Leave your car at home two days a week will save £ 1,590. Greenhouse gas emissions per year! Keep your car well maintained to maximize its fuel efficiency, safety and reliability. Check the tire pressure regularly to prevent wear and reduced fuel consumption, which can result from low tire pressure.
Bottom of the door
Leaks are a major source of heat loss in the house during the winter. A common place occurring at the air leakage in the door to the garage at home, because they do not often, and doors that closed off right in front. Install of weather stripping around the space between the bottom of the door and the threshold seal to prevent the ingress of cool air and warm air from the house. Stop the flow of air inside heated room still life more comfortable and avoid rising energy costs.
Thermal limit
The exterior of your home, the exterior walls, roof, windows and floor is called the "envelope" or "shell". Waterproofing and insulation by a contractor or owner knowledgeable expert can save more than $ 200 per year in heating and cooling costs (or 10% of total annual energy costs). In addition, your home is more comfortable and help your heating and cooling system to work more efficiently. If your attic is accessible and how projects for home improvement, can it with the help of our DIY guide for waterproofing and insulation ENERGY STAR, Do, the step-by step provides for step, to seal leaks common air and add attic insulation. You can also hire a contractor who specialized diagnostic tools may be used to locate and seal the hidden air leaks in your home before adding insulation. More information.
Commitment to improving the provision of seal at home, spray foam, caulking, or adding insulation.
tree
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Make a commitment, in order to save energy at home! Sign Up to small, individual steps to take to make a big difference in the fight against climate change millions of Americans.
Attic
The attic is one of the places often find the biggest air leaks that increase your energy costs and make you too hot in summer and cold in winter can. It is also a place that is generally accessible, airtightness and thermal insulation materials easier to improve the comfort of your home and the total output of energy.
Attic ventilation
Good ventilation attic with natural air flow keeps cool and dry terrace, to the life of the roof shingles and preventing ice dams is needed without the order operation to expand an attic fan evacuation energy. Make sure the vents and eaves of the roof gable vents are not blocked when the air passes through. Some houses have vents or ridge vents on the roof terrace instead gable openings. Read more on DIY Guide to Sealing and insulation with ENERGY STAR.
Channels
Look for holes, cracks and other signs of leaking pipes and caulking or metal strip (aluminum) (not "tape", and long-term). Insulate all pipes that you can access (such as those in the attic, crawlspace, unfinished basement or garage).
The channels are used to distribute air conditioners in homes with forced air heating and cooling systems. In typical homes, about 20% of air is moved through the channel system through leaks, holes and channels lost connected incorrectly. The result is an inefficient HVAC system, high utility bills, and the difficulty of preserving cozy home, no matter how set the thermostat. Discover our brochure duct sealing (PDF, 1.31 MB) to learn more about the steps you can take to learn how to improve your home's system of lines.
Fireplace
Always find and seal air leaks before insulating. Chimneys or furnace flues that penetrate the attic holes or gaps around them, may allow the air in your home to escape through the attic, increasing your energy bill and causing more projects. Around the fireplace and furnace tubes, which can be hot, cover the holes with metal flashing and seal small gaps with high temperature sealant. Read more on DIY Guide to Sealing and insulation with ENERGY STAR.
Plumbing Stack
Plumbing stacks, pipes or electrical son often have holes or gaps around them, may allow the air in your home to escape through the attic, increasing your energy bill and causing projects. Seal small gaps with seals and seal holes up to 3 inches in diameter with spray foam. The coverage of more than 3 inches rooms with a piece of rigid foam boards and seal with spray foam. Read more on DIY Guide to Sealing and insulation with ENERGY STAR.
Attic Hatch or Door
Weather strip and insulate the attic hatch or door of his house to help keep your home more comfortable and save energy. You can do this with materials and unheated attic insulation or has a pre-made available to local hardware stores and web reporting.
The exterior of your home - outside the walls, ceilings, windows and floors - is called a "shell" or "shell". Sealing and insulation services - carried out by an owner or a qualified competent contractor - will save more than $ 200 in heating and cooling costs per year (or up to 10% of total annual energy costs). In addition, your home is more comfortable and help your heating and cooling system to work more efficiently. If your attic is accessible and you want the projects of home improvement, you can with the help of our own doing DIY manual Sealing and insulation ENERGY STAR, which provides step-by -step common seal air leaks and add attic insulation. You can also hire a contractor who can use special diagnostic tools to locate and seal the hidden air leaks in your home before adding insulation. To get the savings, is the best place to add insulation is usually in the attic. A quick way to see if it is more insulation to look through bare attic. If the insulation is at or below the attic floor joists, you probably need to add more. Recommended The isolation level for most attics is R-38 (or about 12-15 inches, depending on the type of insulation). In colder climates insulation to R-49 is recommended.
Bedroom
Your room can comfortably and energy-efficient time.
Bedside lamp
Replace fixtures and ENERGY STAR qualified lighting products lamps.
Lighting is one of the easiest places to save energy. Replace fixtures save five most frequently used light bulbs in them or ENERGY STAR fixtures can $ 70 per year in energy costs. Energy Star certified appliances are elegantly decorated and come in a variety of lamps and lighting models. ENERGY STAR certified compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) provide an output of high quality light, consume less energy and last 10 times longer than conventional incandescent bulbs, saving money on energy bills and replacement costs.
Promises, lamps and lighting products certified to replace ENERGY STAR lamps.
switch
Remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room.
air conditioner
Consider buying a room air conditioner? ENERGY STAR air conditioners often include timers certified environment for better temperature control, allowing you to cool your room to use the minimum amount of energy needed.
- In winter, you should check with a tight lid of Unit A / C, available to isolate the outer room air conditioners at your local home improvement center or local hardware store. This prevents warm air outlet. Alternatively, you can remove the device window in the winter months in order to avoid energy losses.
- Make sure that the window unit fits perfectly in the window to the outside air is not in force.
- Large window A / C units should have their own separate electrical circuit is not overloaded for the system.
And remember, the right size, is important for the air-conditioning room too!
window
During the winter months, replace the window screens against an additional barrier to the cold outside air to provide. Sealing and weatherstripping escape around doors and windows, the air. When replacing windows, choose ENERGY STAR qualified models designed for your area, and save $ 150-500 per year in energy costs. With proper installation to ensure all gaps will be closed around them, ENERGY STAR certified windows can help improve your comfort, cut drafts, and reduce fading of interior design.
Learning to solve problems with moisture in the windows of his house.
Commitment to sealing and caulking around doors and windows with air leakage.
Air Register
Make sure that vents and registers are well-sealed terminals, where the floors, walls and ceiling. These are often places to find leaks and separate pipelines. Also make sure that all air vents are free to improve by any furniture or rugs to maximize air circulation and comfort. If your home has radiators, heat-resistant reflectors between radiators and walls. In winter, this will help you heat the room, rather than the wall.
TV / DVD Combo
Look for the ENERGY STAR label in consumer electronics. Certified products use less energy, without compromising quality or performance.
Consumer electronics are playing an increasing role in your home energy consumption, accounting for 15% of electricity consumption of households. Many consumer electronics products use energy even when turned off. Electronic equipment that meets the ENERGY STAR has earned helps to save energy when turned off while features like clock displays, channel settings, and remote control functions.
output
Unplug any battery chargers or AC power adapter when not in use.
Tub
There are many things you can do to save energy in your bathroom.
Vanity Lights
Replace lamps are five most commonly used at home or the bulbs in them with models that have earned the ENERGY STAR rating, and save $ 70 per year in energy costs.
The bathroom vanity is one of the devices used in the highest average household. Energy Star energy-saving lamps provide bright, warm light, use less energy and produce less heat than traditional lighting. Note that high humidity can shorten the life of the CFLs. To moisture problems, control moisture in your bathroom, by preventing your fan during and 15 minutes after showers and baths. You can certified devices in hundreds of popular styles, including vanity lighting, renovation and hardware stores, lighting showrooms, retail stores and other ENERGY STAR to find including online reference.
Promises, lamps and lighting products certified to replace ENERGY STAR lamps.
switch
Remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room.
Wind Fan
Install control an Energy Star certification of the correct size fan moisture in the air while showering or bathing, as well as the growth of mold and mildew. Run your fan for 15 minutes after the shower.
Energy Star certified Fans 60% less energy than the average standard models, saving over $ 60 in electricity over the life of the fan. They are quieter and use high-efficiency motors and improved blade design, offering better performance and longer life. Model certificates HVAC or electrical contractor to be found in many stores or home improvement. Make sure also led to vent to the outside in order to avoid moisture problems.
Learn how to avoid moisture problems.
Learn how to prevent mold or musty odors.
Air Register
Make sure that vents and registers are well-sealed terminals, where the floors, walls and ceiling. These are often places to find leaks and separate pipelines. Also make sure that all air vents are free to improve by any furniture or rugs to maximize air circulation and comfort. If your home has radiators, heat-resistant reflectors between radiators and walls. In winter, this will help you heat the room, rather than the wall.
window
During the winter months, replace the window screens against an additional barrier to the cold outside air to provide. Sealing and weatherstripping escape around doors and windows, the air. When replacing windows, choose ENERGY STAR qualified models designed for your area, and save $ 150-500 per year in energy costs. With proper installation to ensure all gaps will be closed around them, ENERGY STAR certified windows can help improve your comfort, cut drafts, and reduce fading of interior design.
Learning to solve problems with moisture in the windows of his house.
Commitment to sealing and caulking around doors and windows with air leakage.
have a shower
A 10-minute shower can use less water than a bath.
With a new 2.5 gallons per minute (low-flow) shower head a 10-minute shower uses about 25 liters of water, save 5 gallons of water on a typical bathroom. A new shower also save energy - up to $ 145 per year in electricity - beating both the bathroom and an old shower.
Bathroom Sink Faucet
Repair leaky faucet. A dripping faucet can waste gallons of water.
Hot water leak at a rate of one drop per second to waste up to 1,661 liters of water in one year, and lose up to $ 35 in electricity or natural gas. Mounting Drop is a profitable and easy way to save energy.
Tubes
To save energy and reduce drafts, use spray foam or caulk to the holes around penetrations such as pipes, son, vents and recessed lighting, the seal out of the house, attic, basement or an unfinished basement.
The exterior of your home - outside the walls, ceilings, windows and floors - is called a "shell" or "shell". Sealing and insulation services - carried out by an owner or a qualified competent contractor - will save more than $ 200 in heating and cooling costs per year (or up to 10% of total annual energy costs). In addition, your home is more comfortable and help your heating and cooling system to work more efficiently.
Commitment for handling seal home.
Home Office
Many people work from home. Although this saves time and money on commuting, it can increase the cost of energy.
Desk lamp
Use Energy Star certified fixtures and lamps. Remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room.
Home Office lights are commonly used for many hours a day. Desk lamps ENERGY STAR CFLs or (CFL) light output provide high quality, use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than conventional incandescent bulbs, saving money on energy bills and replacement costs.
Promises, lamps and lighting products certified to replace ENERGY STAR lamps.
Air Records
Make sure that vents and registers are well-sealed terminals, where the floors, walls and ceiling. These are often places to find leaks and separate pipelines. Also make sure that all air vents are free to improve by any furniture or rugs to maximize air circulation and comfort. If your home has radiators, heat-resistant reflectors between radiators and walls. In winter, this will help you heat the room, rather than the wall.
Sockets
Seal holes inexpensive at points of exit stamp.
Power Strip
Use "turn off" a power strip as the central point, when you have finished using the computer.
Even when the electronic and computer equipment often use a small amount of current. To spend US households about $ 100 per year to power devices while they are in a power saving mode, or about 8 percent of the electricity costs for households. Using a power strip for your computer and any peripherals allows you to disconnect from the power supply, whereby the power consumption in standby mode.
Power Supply
Disconnect chargers or chargers when the device is fully charged or is disconnected from the charger.
Multi-function device
Saving energy and space certified with a multifunction ENERGY STAR device that connects multiple functions (print, fax, copy, scan). Make sure that the power management features are allowing for further savings.
Promises, office equipment ENERGY STAR certified home purchase.
monitor
Enable power management features on your computer and monitor. And look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying products for your home office. They use less energy without sacrificing quality or performance.
Most home office equipment will remain on 24 hours a day. Remember: Office equipment is automatically not only consumes less power in standby mode, it runs cooler and helps the equipment longer and saves on air conditioning. In addition to power management, you can save more energy with office equipment as follows:
- Avoid using a screen saver when the screen is inactive (goes into standby mode, or turn off the screen in place.)
- Turn off machines when not in use (fax machines, printers, scanners, copiers).
- See the ENERGY STAR program in the office of his learning video, such as office equipment ENERGY STAR certification can help you save energy, money and protect the environment.
Promise to allow its ENERGY STAR computer to sleep while you're away monitor.
The living room
The living room is a gathering place for friends and family to spend quality time. It is also a place where you simple steps to take in order to be more energy efficient.
Table Lamp
Replace your lights of the highest utilization or the bulbs in them ENERGY STAR models.
Table lamps and floor of the room are two of the most commonly used in home accessories. Conventional flares can also be the supreme power of the lights in the house. ENERGY STAR replacement bulbs and lamps can be found in home improvement and hardware stores, lighting showrooms and other retail outlets, including online stores.
Ceiling Fan w / lights
Depending on when and how they are used, the ceiling fans can provide comfort and help you save on your energy costs.
In winter you can make your ceiling fan to improve your wellbeing. Most fans have a switch that allows you to reverse the motor and can run the ceiling fan in the opposite direction. This produces a gentle updraft, which forces warm air near the ceiling in the living room, looking down.
In the summer, make sure your fan blows air down, make you feel cooler. The hottest days, marking the thermostat just two degrees and using your ceiling fan can reduce cooling costs up to 14% during the cooling time. Use compact fluorescent lamps, low-voltage light in the ceiling fan for cooler light bulbs and energy saving. And remember: The only ceiling fans cool people, not the room, so if you leave the room, turn on the ceiling fan.
Promises, lamps and lighting products certified to replace ENERGY STAR lamps.
switch
Remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room.
Hangings
In cold weather, you can enjoy the warmth of the sun during the day, keep curtains open. To keep the heat of the summer sun, close the blinds and curtains in warm weather.
Power Strip
Use "turn off" a power strip as the focal point for electronics, video games and computers when not in use.
Registration Air
Make sure that vents and registers are well-sealed terminals, where the floors, walls and ceiling. These are often places to find leaks and separate pipelines. Also make sure that all air vents are free to improve by any furniture or rugs to maximize air circulation and comfort. If your home has radiators, heat-resistant reflectors between radiators and walls. In winter, this will help you heat the room, rather than the wall.
window
During the winter months, replace the window screens against an additional barrier to the cold outside air to provide. Sealing and weatherstripping escape around doors and windows, the air. When replacing windows, choose ENERGY STAR qualified models designed for your area, and save $ 150-500 per year in energy costs. With proper installation to ensure all gaps will be closed around them, ENERGY STAR certified windows can help improve your comfort, cut drafts, and reduce fading of interior design.
Learning to solve problems with moisture in the windows of his house.
Commitment to sealing and caulking around doors and windows with air leakage.
Fireplace damper
Close the throttle hard when not in use. Otherwise hot or cold air can easily escape from the house.
A fireplace is designed to remove the by-products of fire through the creation of a project. The project also relies air of paid home through the chimney air for cooling or heating. Even without fire in the fireplace, there is always a chimney, as long as there is a temperature difference between the inside and the outside. The closure of the air conditioning (or heating) in the living room, where it belongs records, are complied with.
Home Theater System
Look for the ENERGY STAR label in consumer electronics. These products use less energy, without compromising quality or performance. Seal holes with putty or spray foam tubes or son / cable TV and vents enter or leave your house.
Consumer electronics are playing an increasing role in your home energy consumption up to 15 percent of electricity consumption of households. Many consumer electronics products use energy even when turned off. Electronic equipment that meets the ENERGY STAR has earned helps to save energy when turned off while features like clock displays, channel settings, and remote control functions.
output
Unplug any battery chargers or AC power adapter when not in use.
cook
Appliances and lighting home sealing, there are several areas to improve the energy efficiency of your kitchen and save on energy costs.
lighting
Install Energy Star certified lamps or replace conventional light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), which have earned the ENERGY STAR rating.
Kitchen accessories are some of the most widely used in home accessories. Energy Star certified lamps are available in popular styles that may be right for your kitchen exactly how, for example, rack and ceiling recessed models. ENERGY STAR lighting provides bright, warm light while using 75% less energy and produces 70% less heat and last up to 10 times longer than conventional lighting.
Promises, lamps and lighting products certified to replace ENERGY STAR lamps.
switch
Remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room.
Floor openings / Radiators
Ensure that all air registers or floor vents are clear of furniture, so that air can circulate freely. If your home has radiators, heat-resistant reflectors between radiators and walls. In hiver, cela vous aidera chauffer à la pièce à la place de la paroi.
Hotte
An ENERGY STAR Kitchen Installez certifié hotte pour aider à l'contrôler humidité et d'éliminer odeurs them the kitchen.
ENERGY STAR ventilateurs certifié utilisent 60% moins d'énergie in modèles they Moyenne this standard, plus $ 60 in économiser d'frais d'électricité au cours de la durée de vie du ventilateur. Ils sont plus utilisent silencieux et des Moteurs de haute performance améliorée et une conception of the lame, the Meilleures fournissant plus performances et une longue vie du produit. Modèles certifiés peuvent être dans trouvés nombreux magasins de votre rénovation ou ou en domiciliaire CVC électricité entrepreneur.
Fenêtre
Pendant les mois d'hiver, remplacer you écrans of contre-fenêtres pour une barrière supplémentaire fournir à l'extérieur de l'air froid. Calfeutrer et autour des coupe-froid et des Portes Fenêtres fuient qui l'air. If you remplacement of fenêtres, Go. On-ENERGY STAR modèles certifiés Concus pour votre région, et d'économiser $ 150-500 in Couts par année d'énergie Avec une installation proper pour toutes les assurer lacunes the qui sont les entourent Scellés ENERGY STAR fenêtres certifiés peuvent aider à votre améliorer comfort couper they d'air, discoloration Réduire et intérieur du Mobilier Courants.
Apprenez avec les problèmes résoudre à l'humidité south fenêtres them de votre maison.
light
ENERGY STAR lighting Installez certifié remplacer ou les classiques par of ampoules ampoules compactes fluorescent (CFL) qui ont reçu le label ENERGY STAR.
Accessories de cuisine lights sont des quelques-uns les plus utilisés dans une maison. ENERGY STAR Luminaires sont disponibles dans éclairage certifié of styles populaires qui peuvent être juste juste pour votre cuisine, comme en armoire Monte au plafond, et en creux peuvent modèles. Éclairage certifié ENERGY STAR FOURNIT lumineux, lumière chaude tout en utilisant 75% moins d'énergie, generant 75% moins de chaleur et dure jusqu'à 10 fois plus longtemps que I'Eclairage standard.
Engagez-vous à remplacer les et les ampoules ENERGY STAR Luminaires produits d'éclairage certifié.
Téléphones sans fil
Recherchez ENERGY STAR Téléphones sans fil qui certifiés disposent d'alimentations à découpage et les chargeurs "intelligents» pour les économies d'énergie supplémentaires.
Lave-vaisselle
Economisez l'eau en grattant plats au lieu de les rincer avant de le le lave-vaisselle charger dans. Exécutez votre lave-vaisselle à pleine charge et utiliser l'option de séchage à l'air si disponible.
RINCAGE de la vaisselle sales avant de votre lave-vaisselle charger utilize beaucoup d'eau et d'énergie. La plupart the lave-vaisselle d'aujourd'hui peuvent nettoyer plats qui ont eu à fond la nourriture raclée, plutôt que Rince, off - le cycle de lavage et de détergent prennent Soin du reste. Pour rendre l'utilization la plus efficace de l'énergie et de l'eau la consommation de votre lave-vaisselle, le lave-vaisselle de fonctionner que lorsque suffisamment de vaisselle sale ont accumulé pour une Charge Complete.
Remplacement d'un vieux lave-vaisselle? Appareils représentent environ 12% de votre facture d'énergie. Récent, the modèles plus économes en énergie économiser l'énergie et l'eau. Si le remplacement de votre lave-vaisselle, envisager un modèle ENERGY STAR, qui peut ce l'énergie et de économiser de l'eau.
Réfrigérateur
Recherchez le symbols ENERGY STAR lorsque vous un nouveau réfrigérateur achetez. Et Recycler votre vieux réfrigérateur dans le garage ou une autre pièce de votre maison, parce que cela vous que vous coûte plus d'argent pouvez penser.
Si votre réfrigérateur actuelle a été faite avant 1993, il utilise deux fois la quantité d'énergie utilisée par les nouveaux modèles. Un nouveau réfrigérateur ENERGY STAR certifiés utilise moins d'énergie qu'une ampoule de 60 watts fonctionner en continu. Et ENERGY STAR modèles de réfrigérateurs utilisent certifié au moins 20% moins d'énergie que requis par les normes fédérales actuelles.
Beaucoup de maisons ont des réfrigérateurs âgées dans leur garage ou sous-sol pour le stockage de débordement. et il peut coûter beaucoup de fonctionner. Vous pouvez enregistrer à partir de $ 300- $ 700 par pas l'exécution de votre deuxième réfrigérateur au cours des 5 prochaines années. En débranchant votre deuxième réfrigérateur et recycler correctement, vous pouvez également empêcher 5.500 à 20.000 livres d'émissions de gaz à effet de serre.
Apprenez ce que vous devez savoir sur le remplacement et le recyclage de votre vieux réfrigérateur.
Pledge recycler votre vieux réfrigérateur ou acheter un réfrigérateur certifiés ENERGY STAR.
Portée
Utilisez le pot de taille à droite sur brûleurs de la cuisinière. Un "pot sur un 8" 6 déchets du brûleur plus de 40 pour cent de la chaleur du brûleur. En outre, des pots et des casseroles de couverture pour garder la chaleur dans.
Utiliser le pot de taille sur les brûleurs de la cuisinière peut économiser environ 36 $ par année pour une cuisinière électrique, ou 18 $ pour le gaz. Couvrant pots et des casseroles vous aide également à cuisiner de façon plus efficace et maintient votre glacière de cuisine.
Avoir une cuisinière à gaz? Gardez les brûleurs propre pour assurer une efficacité maximale. Flammes bleues indiquent une bonne combustion; flammes jaunes signifient service peut être nécessaire pour assurer le gaz brûle efficacement.
Four micro onde
Utilisez votre micro-ondes ou four grille-pain pour réchauffer ou cuire de petites portions.
Vous pouvez réduire l'énergie de cuisson par autant que 80 pour cent lorsque vous utilisez votre micro-ondes pour les petites portions Cela permet également d'économiser sur l'A / C coûts en été, depuis moins de chaleur est générée par rapport à l'utilisation de votre poêle ou au four.
Évier de cuisine
Réparez les fuites de robinet. Un robinet qui fuit peut gaspiller gallons d'eau. Apprendre encore plus.
Fuite d'eau chaude à une vitesse de 1 goutte par seconde peut gaspiller jusqu'à 1.661 litres d'eau au cours d'une année, et de perdre jusqu'à 35 $ en électricité ou en gaz naturel. Fixation gouttes est une manière rentable et facile à économiser de l'énergie.
Salle à diner
Il ya beaucoup de choses que vous pouvez faire pour économiser de l'énergie dans votre salle à manger.
Luminaire
Remplacer les luminaires ou les ampoules dans les avec éclairage certifié ENERGY STAR.
Lustres classiques avec beaucoup de lumières peuvent être l'un des appareils de puissance en watts plus élevés dans la maison. Il ya maintenant plus d'options de style et de décoration dans les appareils d'éclairage économes en énergie disponibles. Recherchez des lustres certifiés ENERGY STAR, torchères, appliques plafonniers et appliques dans la plupart des centres de rénovation, les salles d'exposition d'éclairage et les magasins spécialisés. Éclairage certifié ENERGY STAR fournit lumineux, lumière chaude tout en utilisant 75% moins d'énergie, générant 75% moins de chaleur et dure jusqu'à 10 fois plus longtemps que l'éclairage standard.
Engagez-vous à remplacer les luminaires et les ampoules ENERGY STAR produits d'éclairage certifié.
Interrupteur
Rappelez-vous de toujours éteindre vos lumières en quittant une pièce.
Thermostat programmable
Installez un thermostat programmable pour ajuster automatiquement les réglages de température de votre maison lorsque vous êtes loin ou de dormir.
Lorsqu'il est utilisé correctement, un thermostat programmable avec ses quatre réglages de température peut économiser environ 180 $ par année en coûts d'énergie. Suivez ces lignes directrices concernant l'utilisation correcte de thermostats programmables pour maximiser vos économies.
Économisez avec une thermostat manuel, aussi! Chaque degré vous réglez votre thermostat par temps chaud ou vers le bas dans le froid va vous aider à économiser sur votre facture globale d'énergie.
Plus d'info sur l'économie d'énergie avec des thermostats: Il est une idée fausse qu'il faut plus d'énergie pour se rafraîchir (ou réchauffer) une maison qu'il ne faut pour le garder frais tout le temps. Faire monter le thermostat en été (ou vers le bas en hiver) sera toujours économiser de l'énergie. Il est préférable de seulement cool (ou de chaleur) une maison autant que nécessaire, en fonction des occupants et moment de la journée.
Il est facile d'oublier de régler le thermostat au moment de quitter la maison ou d'aller au lit, et il faut du temps pour la maison pour se rafraîchir (ou réchauffer) une fois que le thermostat est ajusté, qui peut être inconfortable. Here's where a programmable thermostat pays off, because it automatically adjusts the temperature when your home is empty, and when you go to sleep. Total energy savings will depend on your climate and the efficiency of your house and heating and cooling system.
Floor Vents/Radiators
Make sure that the connections at vents and registers are well-sealed where they meet the floors, walls, and ceiling. These are common locations to find leaks and disconnected ductwork. Also make sure that all vents are clear of any furniture or rugs to improve air flow and comfort. If your home has radiators, place heat-resistant reflectors between radiators and walls. In the winter, this will help heat the room instead of the wall.
Sliding Door
Apply caulking around door frames and weather-stripping around doors that do not close tightly. If replacing your sliding door, select ENERGY STAR Certified doors instead of regular clear-glass double-paned doors. You can save on energy costs while improving your comfort, cutting drafts, and reducing fading of interior furnishings.
Improve your home's "envelope" to lower your energy bill and improve your comfort. Home sealing reduces uncomfortable drafts and helps avoid moisture problems through sealing holes, cracks, and gaps in the home.
Pledge to apply caulk and weather stripping around windows and doors that leak air.
Electrical Outlet
Seal any holes around your outlets with an inexpensive outlet gasket.
Basement
The basement is a good place to make energy-efficient improvements. From appliances such as washing machines and dryers to heating and cooling equipment and home sealing, there are important steps you can take to improve your home's energy efficiency, save on energy bills, and help protect the environment.
Retire your old refrigerator! After heating, cooling, and hot water, your old refrigerator is probably the next largest energy user in your home. New refrigerators are much more energy-efficient than older models. Get rid of the old fridge lurking in the basement. Instead, size your refrigerator to meet your needs, and recycle the old one. If you must have an extra refrigerator or freezer, buy a new, energy-efficient model. Keep your refrigerator/freezer as full as possible, and unplug it when empty. Selling or giving away an old refrigerator means that someone else will inherit an energy waster for years to come. An older model can cost more than $100 per year to operate. Find out how much your old refrigerator is costing you .
Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers can remove excess moisture (humidity) from the air in your home. It is common to have excess moisture in the basement. Ideally, the comfortable and healthy range of relative humidity is between 30 and 50 percent. Anything above or below those levels can cause problems.
Some of the most common indications that you may need a dehumidifier are: musty smells, presence of mold and mildew, rotting wood, condensation on windows, and increased allergies (if the air in your home is too moist, it will encourage the growth of mildew, mites, and mold-common allergens). To reduce humidity in your basement, make sure the dryer is not venting inside the basement. Also, be sure to check that the ground next to the foundation slopes away and outdoor downspouts lead at least 3 feet away from the foundation. If you decide you need a dehumidifier for your home, look for one that's earned the ENERGY STAR. They use less energy, and can save more than $220 in energy costs over the life of the unit. Learn more about what to look for when purchasing a dehumidifier .
Want other ideas on how to reduce moisture in your home?
Water Heater
By heating water only when you need it, tankless water heaters that have earned the ENERGY STAR save the typical family more than $80 per year on gas bills compared to a standard storage model. Larger families can save even more.
Choose the best ENERGY STAR Certified water heater for your home.
Choosing a gas storage water heater that has earned the ENERGY STAR instead of a standard model can save $20 a year. That's a $290 savings over the 13-year lifetime of the water heater. Larger families can save even more money.
Savings resulting from turning down your water heater temperature are based on two components: reduced standby losses (heat lost from water heater into surrounding basement area); and consumption (from water demand or use in your home). Set too high, or at 140 degrees F, your water heater can waste anywhere from $36 to $61 annually in standby heat losses and more than $400 in demand losses. Set at 120 degrees F, you will save energy and money.
If you have an older water heater, you can improve its insulation by wrapping it with an insulating jacket and save more than $30 per year in excess heat loss. To help keep your hot water from cooling off before it gets to the tap, you can insulate the hot water piping, leaving the water heater for additional savings. Don't forget to turn off electric water heaters and turn down gas water heaters when going away on vacation.
HVAC System
Dirt and neglect are the top causes of heating and cooling system inefficiency and failure. It's important to change your system's air filter regularly and have routine maintenance performed by a Certified technician. If you have older HVAC equipment that is not keeping your house comfortable, consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR. When replacing equipment, make sure to ask your contractor if they follow ENERGY STAR Quality Installation Guidelines . Depending on where you live, replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with equipment that has earned the ENERGY STAR can cut your annual energy bill by more than $200.
As much as half of your household energy use goes to heating and cooling. Replacing old equipment with more efficient equipment is one way to save. But equipment is just one part of an entire system that requires proper sizing, maintenance, properly sized and well-sealed ducts, insulating ducts in unconditioned spaces and more. For more information, get a copy of EPA's A Guide to Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling (PDF, 2.6MB)
Clothes Washer
Wash your laundry with cold water whenever possible. To save water, try to wash full loads or, if you must wash a partial load, reduce the level of water appropriately.
Hot water heating accounts for about 90 percent of the energy your machine uses to wash clothes — only 10 percent goes to electricity used by the washer motor. Depending on the clothes and local water quality (hardness), many homeowners can effectively do laundry exclusively with cold water, using cold water laundry detergents. Switching to cold water can save the average household more than $40 annually (with an electric water heater) and more than $30 annually (with a gas water heater).
Washing full loads can save you more than 3,400 gallons of water each year.
It's worth investing in a new, energy-efficient clothes washer if you are due for a replacement. Many new models are much more efficient than those manufactured 10–12 years ago. ENERGY STAR Certified clothes washers reduce energy use by about 30% compared to standard washers to clean clothes. They also reduce water consumption by over 50%, and have a better spin cycle allowing for less drying time.
Sèche-linge
Don't over-dry your clothes. If your dryer has a moisture sensor that will automatically turn the machine off when clothes are done, use it to avoid over drying. Remember to clean the lint trap before every load. Dry full loads, or reduce drying time for partial loads. Learn more.
It's easy to over dry your clothes, if one setting is used for various fabric types. Try to dry loads made up of similar fabrics, so the entire load dries just as the cycle ends. Many dryers come with energy-saving moisture or humidity sensors that shut off the heat when the clothes are dry. If you don't have this feature, try to match the cycle length to the size and weight of the load. A dryer operating an extra 15 minutes per load can cost you up to $34, every year.
The lint trap is an important energy saver. Dryers work by moving heated air through wet clothes, evaporating and then venting water vapor outside. If the dryer cannot provide enough heat, or move air sufficiently through the clothes, they will take longer to dry, and may not dry at all. One of the easiest things you can do to increase drying efficiency is to clean the lint trap before each and every load. This step can save you up to $34 each year.
Rim joist
A common area of air leakage is along the top of the basement wall where cement or block comes in contact with the wood frame (known as the 'rim joist' or 'band joist'). Where accessible, seal the perimeter with expanding foam or caulk. Also look to seal penetrations, such as pipes and wiring, which go through the basement ceiling to the floor above.
The exterior of your home — the outer walls, ceiling, windows, and floor — is called the "envelope" or "shell." Sealing and insulating — done by a knowledgeable homeowner or skilled contractor — can save more than $200 a year in heating and cooling costs (or up to 10% on total annual energy bills). It will also make your home more comfortable and help your heating and cooling system run more efficiently. If you like home improvement projects, you can Do-It-Yourself with help from our DIY Guide to Sealing and Insulating with ENERGY STAR , which offers step-by-step instructions for sealing common air leaks found in the basement. You can also hire a contractor who can use special diagnostic tools to pinpoint and seal the hidden air leaks in your home before adding insulation.
Pledge to seal your home's envelope with caulk or spray foam.
Dryer Vent
Vents, ducts, or electrical wires often have holes or gaps around them which can allow the air in your home to escape, increasing your energy bill and causing more drafts in your house. Seal small gaps with caulk and holes up to 3 inches in diameter with spray foam. Cover spaces larger than 3 inches with a piece of foam board and seal with spray foam. Learn more in the DIY Guide to Sealing and Insulating with ENERGY STAR .
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