10 Ways to Reduce Your Home Energy Costs Presented by: Charlie Hudson Business Development Account Representative, NASA FCU E-Mail [email protected] Phone: (301) 249-1800 Ext. 267
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10 Ways to Reduce Your Home Energy Costs
Presented by: Charlie Hudson Business Development Account Representative, NASA FCU E-Mail [email protected] Phone: (301) 249-1800 Ext. 267
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Good [Time of Day] and welcome to 10 Ways to Reduce Your Home Energy Costs – Powered by NASA Federal. My name is [NAME] and I will be your speaker today. Before we get started, I wanted to give you a little background on what this presentation is, and what it is not. First, what it is not. This presentation is not intended to endorse or recommend any one particular type of product or organization. Further, both the speaker and NASA Federal Credit Union are not licensed contractors, engineers, energy auditors, etc. and we recommend you seek professional advice before deciding what is the right course of action for you home. What this presentation is intended to be however is a source of ideas and inspiration to you on ways you can improve the energy efficiency in your home. Most of our content is supplied via the United States Department of Energy - Energy Saver Home resource and we invite and encourage you to explore their website at energy.gov for more in-depth information and recommendations.
Overview
• 10 Ways to Reduce Your Energy Costs
• Long-Term Savings Improvements– larger investment today, saving over the coming years
• “Green” Alternatives – new technology that can change how you heat, cool, and power your home
• Resources • Questions
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Ok, so now that we have that out of the way, lest go over the key areas we will be covering in todays presentation. We will start off with the presentations namesake and cover 10 ways to reduce your energy costs. This will focus on some of the most economically sensitive things you can do to improve your homes energy efficiency and your energy cost savings. The next section will go a little further by discussing some improvements you can make in your home which may cost a little bit more up front, but will save you money in the long term. Then, we will talk about a few of the “Green” alternative technologies that are becoming more widely available to help you improve energy efficiency in a more eco-friendly and economical way. We will conclude by providing you a few resources to check out, along with ways we can help, and take some questions.
10 Ways to Reduce Your Energy Costs
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Presentation Notes
Ok, so as we mentioned in our introduction we wanted to provide you a list of 10 ways to reduce your energy cost that were also economically sensitive. As such, some of these recommendations will require no monetary investment, while others will require a nominal investment. What you will find however is that the potential increase in energy efficiency and energy cost savings will make most, if not all, of these improvements worth implementing!
1. Perform an Energy Audit – (Self-Assessment)
• Did you know that 60% of all home energy use is for heating?
• Start with a simple self assessment:
• Utility Bills – for energy consumptions (note the daily use statistics available with most providers)
• Insulation (attic, exterior & basement walls, ceilings, floors, and craw spaces)
• Check for air leaks (walls, ceilings, windows, doors, lighting and plumbing fixtures, switches, and electrical outlets)
• Fireplace dampers
• Appliance operation: Check your manual for recommended use and energy conservation
• Large Appliances (HVAC): have serviced regularly
• Lighting: study your use, consider sensors, dimmers, or timers to reduce usage.
Source: US Department of Energy
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Presentation Notes
Like any other goal, be it getting fit, organizing your records, or creating a budget – you need to start somewhere. When trying to improve your home energy efficiency, it is important to understand how you currently use energy in your home. According to the Department of Energy, 60% of energy consumption in the home is used for heating when you combine rome space and water. But as you can see in this graphic the other 40 percent is spread over a multitude of categories. However, everyone – and everyone's home – is unique, so the best place for you to start in improving your homes energy efficiency is with as self-assessment; and a great way to do this is to review your utility bill. Aside from giving you a detailed breakdown month-to-month, most utility providers allow you to examine your daily consumption to identify periods of peak usage down to the date level. Looking at this may help clue you in to when you use energy the most, and what activities your doing that drives this consumption. Aside from looking at your bills, check out your attic, exterior & basement walls, ceilings, floors, and craw spaces to see what your insulation is like. Next, check for air leaks (walls, ceilings, windows, doors, lighting and plumbing fixtures, switches, and electrical outlets). If you have a fireplace, make sure the damper is shut when the fireplace is not in use. Pull out your appliance owner manuals (or look them up on-line) to see what the recommended use setting are and if there is an energy saver mode, you can then compare this to your regular use to see if any adjustments can be made. For larger appliances such as a furnace or air conditioner, have the units serviced regularly to make sure they are operating at peak efficiency. Finally monitor your lighting use, do you leave lights on in empty rooms, or overnight? Do you turn on lights during the day while leaving dark curtains pulled? These are all little things you can do yourself to see how you consume energy and find some quick ways to make “energy cuts” in the same way you can make a “budget cut” on a discretionary spending item. Source: DOE Energy Saver Tips: Your Home's Energy Use: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/tips-your-homes-energy-use
• Professional Energy Audit Recommendations
Could Save 5 – 30% on your energy bill
• Certified Home Energy Auditors Examine:
• Your billed energy consumption
• Problems you are aware regarding how the home operates
• Interior and Exterior Spaces
• Home Health and Safety
• Electrical Systems
• Combustion appliances
• Provide summary and recommended actions in a comprehensive energy report
Source: US Department of Energy
1. Perform an Energy Audit – (Self-Assessment)
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Presentation Notes
Doing it yourself is a great place to start, and if your on a budget, its something that costs you nothing and (by making some simple changes based off what you find) will actually save you money! You may want more information, or perhaps you have performed a do-it-yourself audit but are now in search of greater detail and a specific action plan from a professional. If so, consider having a professional energy audit performed. With a potential savings of 5 to 30% of your energy bill, it is a great investment. The professional auditor will use a variety of tools and processes to methodically examine your homes energy consumption and identify areas for improvement gains. This process includes examining your billed energy consumption, problems you are aware regarding how the home operates, interior and exterior spaces, home health and safety, electrical systems, and combustion appliances From there they will provide summery report and action plan that you can follow to reduce your energy consumption and increase your energy savings. Source 1: DOE: Energy Saver Professional Home Energy Audits: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/professional-home-energy-audits Source 2: DOE: Energy Saver 101 Infographic: Home Energy Audits: http://energy.gov/articles/energy-saver-101-infographic-home-energy-audits
1. Perform An Energy Audit – (Professional-Assessment)
• Average cost of a Professional Home Energy Audit - $300 - $500
• Where to find an auditor:
• Local electric or gas utility
• RESNET • Uses the proprietary Home Energy Rating System (HERS)
Index to give homeowners a standard by which they can measure energy efficiency
Source: Bankrate.com, US Department of Energy, RESNET
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Ok, so now you may want to go ahead with getting a professional energy audit, but don’t know how much it costs, or where to find a professional. According to Bankrate.com, if you would like to have a professional home energy audit performed you should plan for an average cost of $300.00 to $500.00 dollars. If you are not sure who to contact for this service, a great source to check out would be your local electric or gas utility. Another source that is recommended by the Department of Energy is the Residential Energy Services Network, or RESNET. RESNET is a not-for-profit, membership corporation that is a recognized national standards-making body for building energy efficiency rating and certification systems in the United States involving a corporation that is governed by a board of 20 (who are elected by membership). RESNET is a recognized national standards-making body for building energy efficiency rating and certification systems in the United States involving a consensus based standard development and amendment process, transparent review and adoption process, formal public review and comment process, and Uses the proprietary Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index to give homeowners a standard by which they can measure energy efficiency. Source 1: Bankrate.com: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/an-energy-audit-can-cut-your-power-bill-1.aspx Source 2: DOE: Energy Saver Professional Home Energy Audits: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/professional-home-energy-audits Source 3: RESNET: What is RESNT: http://www.resnet.us/about/what-is-resnet Source 4: RESNET: HERS Index: http://www.resnet.us/hers-index
2. Adjust Ceiling Fans For The Season
Ceiling Fan Facts: • Ceiling Fan’s work best in rooms:
• With ceilings at least 8’ in height • Blades that are 7’ – 9’ off the floor • Blades are 10” – 12” below the ceiling
• When buying a fan, consider ones
with an ENERGY STAR rating • Generally cost $50.00 more • Quieter and are 20% more efficient.
• Ceiling Fan’s cool people – not rooms: • The produce a wind chill effect to cool • Turn fans off in empty rooms
• Ceiling Fan’s provide an updraft in the winter by reversing direction to force warm air down:
• Summer: Run the fan counterclockwise • Winter: Run the fan clockwise
• If used properly, ceiling fan’s can allow for a 4⁰F adjustment in your central thermostat with no reduction in comfort.
Source: US Department of Energy, Energy Star
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Ok, so we have talked about the importance of the home energy audit, and regardless of if you do it yourself or if you have one done by a professional, following up on action items that come out of the audit will help you use less energy and save more money. However each home is different, just as the individuals who live there are different – so what comes out of your audit will be a specific set of action items for you specifically to improve your efficiency, based off your home and lifestyle. Lets turn now to some general best practices with energy use, and we will start with ceiling fans. Did you know one of the most powerful ways to maintain home comfort in an efficient way is the ceiling fans? Ceiling fans can be placed in any room with a ceiling height of at least 8’ and should have their blades 7’ to 9’ off the ground and 10” to 12” off the ceiling. If you are installing a fan for the first time, or replacing an existing one. Consider the extra investment of about $50.00 to get an ENEREGY STAR Rated model, it will run quieter and consume about 20% less energy than a standard model. Ceiling Fan’s work by producing a wind chill effect to cool people, because of this there is no benefit to leaving them on in an empty room, so be sure to turn them off when nobody is in that space. Ceiling fans aren’t just useful in the summer, in the winter they can run in the reverse direction to force warm air down. Be sure to check your fan direction and use the switch near the on off chain to change the direction at the appropriate season – counterclockwise for the summer, and clockwise for the winter. If used properly, ceiling fan’s can allow for a 4⁰F adjustment in your central thermostat with no reduction in comfort saving energy and money! Source 1: DOE: Energy Saver Turning on the Fan and Turning off the A/C: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/turning-fan-and-turning-ac Source 2: DOE: Energy Saver How Has a Ceiling Fan Affected the Way You Heat and Cool Your Home?: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/how-has-ceiling-fan-affected-way-you-heat-and-cool-your-home Source 3: ENERGY STAR: Ceiling Fan Installation and Usage Tips: https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=ceiling_fans.pr_ceiling_fans_usage
3. Use Home Ventilation Fans Only When Necessary
• Home ventilation fans are used to help control moisture and remove objectionable odors.
• Serve a critical role in creating a healthy indoor environment
• Can remove much of the moisture that builds up from everyday activities
• Help to keep RH below 50%.”
• ENERGY STAR rated models: • Use 70% less energy • Feature high performance motors • improved blade design, • providing better performance • longer life.
• Turn fan off once exhausted: • Bathroom fan - 15 – 20 minutes • Consider models with auto-off
Source: Energy Star US Environmental Protection Agency eHow
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Home ventilation fans are not only good at removing unpleasant odors they also play a vital role in removing moisture. According to the US EPA home ventilation fans play a vital role in keeping room humidity below 50%, creating a healthy indoor environment. If you are installing or replacing a home ventilation fan, consider an ENERGY STAR rated model, not only will it give you a high performance motor and improved blade design, but it will also use 70% less energy then a standard models, increasing you energy efficiency and energy cost savings. Also, be sure to turn off the fan when it is no longer needed. The most common exhaust fan is the bathroom fan, according to eHow a bathroom exhaust fan can sufficiently remove the humidity built up after a shower in about 15 to 20 minutes, so be sure to turn the fan off after this. If you are replacing your fan, check out models that have an auto-off feature so you don’t have to worry about the fan staying on all day if your in a rush to get out the door for the morning commute. Source 1: ENERGY STAR: Ventilation Fans: http://www.energystar.gov/products/certified-products/detail/fans-ventilating Source 2: US EPA: Remodeling Your Home? Have You Considered Indoor Air Quality?: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/homes/hip-moisture.html Source 3: eHow: How Long Should the Bathroom Exhaust Fan be Left On?: http://www.ehow.com/decision_6972092_long-exhaust-fan-left-on_.html
4. Energy-Efficient Computer Use
• Turn off monitors if not using for a period in excess of 20 minutes. • Turn off computers if you not using for a period in excess of 2 hours. • Plug monitors, printers, and other peripherals into a power strip or
surge suppressant protector • Turn the power strip off when not un use for an extended period. • Use the ENERGY STAR® sleep mode feature to improve energy
efficiency • Bonus: Turning off a PC can also reduce heat (keeping cooling costs
down)
Source: US Department of Energy
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Almost everyone has a home computer, in fact many will have more than one. Because the computer is something that we can use for extended or brief periods, the temptation is to leave it on all the time. This can be a source of unneeded energy drain. You can make a few simple changes with your computer use to increase your energy efficiency and your energy cost savings. According to the Department of Energy, if your computer has a separate monitor, turn it off when you are not working at the computer for periods of 20 minutes or greater. If your not going to be using the computer for periods of 2 hours or more, turn it off as well. Though it is true that you will use more energy to start the computer vs. “waking it up”, DOE data shows that having the computer off for periods of non-use that are greater than 2 hours will ultimately consume less energy (even with the start-up “surge”) then the limited power draw that comes from having the computer “stand-by.” The DOE also notes that computers will likely be replaced due to their becoming obsolete long before they fail due to too many start-up cycles. Don’t forget about your printers and other peripherals too. Be sure to plug them into a power strip or surge suppressant protector, aside from protecting the devices in the event of a power surge, you can turn all the devices off with one click if they will not be use for an extended period. Also, be sure to check you computers internal settings to make sure that the ENERGY STAR® sleep mode features are enabled to maximize energy conversation for the idle moments during use. Oh, and aside from the direct conservation of energy that comes from making these simple changes, you will also reduce the amount of heat your device uses which can impact your cooling costs! Source 1: DOE: Energy Saver Energy-Efficient Computer Use: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/energy-efficient-computer-use
5. Energy-Efficient Home Appliance Use
• How do you use your home appliances? • Is there a vampire in your home? • “Vampire loads” - power draws that most
small appliances use when they are turned “off” but plugged in.
• DVD player • TV • Stereo • Computer • Kitchen appliances
• Unplug these divices • Plug these appliances into a power strips
that you can turn off when not in use.
Source: http://standby.lbl.gov/summary-table.html
Source: US Department of Energy Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
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Just like leaving an unused computer on for extended periods of can waste a lot of energy, so too does leaving many common home appliances in standby mode or even just plugged in. These appliances create what the DOE refers to as “vampire loads” because the device is “off” but still draws some power. Vampire loads can be lurking in anything from your coffee maker to your home stereo, and a good way to protect yourself is to unplug any devices that can be turned off when the device is not in use. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory provides a great reference chart that illustrates how much energy can be consumed in these vampire loads. Making the simple change to these devices into a power strip that can be turned off or unplugging these devices all together is a great way to increase your energy efficiency and your energy cost savings Source 1: DOE: Energy Saver Tips: Home Office and Electronics: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/tips-home-office-and-electronics Source 2: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory: Standby Power: http://standby.lbl.gov/summary-table.html
6. Lighting
• Turn lights off in empty rooms • Use Automated lighting controls:
• Dimmers • Motion, occupancy, and photo sensors • Timers – turn lights on/off at specific
times • What types of bulb do you have? • Type of bulb used = cost effectiveness • Traditional
• Incandescent Least expensive - shortest life span
• Halogen: A more efficient Incandescent • Energy-Saving • Reflector or parabolic reflector (Flood Light)
• Better: • CFL’s:
• Use 25% to 35% of the energy • Last 10 times as longer • More expensive to acquire • Payback is over the long term. • Note: follow EPA recommendations
• LEDs: • Size of a fleck of pepper, • Uses a mix of red, green, and blue • Typically used to make white light. • Use 25% of the energy of Incandesce • Emit just 10% of the heat. • Only emit 20% of the heat of CFLs
Source: US Department of Energy US Environmental Protection Agency
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Lighting is a use of energy that is both functional and expressive. As such how we use lighting can have a significant impact on energy consumption and cost. The one thing that practically everyone should do with their lighting use it to make sure to turn off lights in empty rooms. Aside from “flipping the switch off”, you can use lighting controls to make sure your not lighting a space unnecessarily. According to the Department of Energy, some good lighting controls to consider are dimmers - that provide variable indoor lighting which can reduce light wattage and output. Motion, occupancy, and photo sensors – which can automatically turn on lights based on motion and turn off in the absence of activity (after a period of time). Or Timers – which turn lights on/off at specific times. Aside from examining – how – you use your lights, you should also examine – what – lights you use. For many years, the incandescent lightbulb has been brightening dark spaces, and according to the DOE this light source is inexpensive, turns on right-away, and is available in many shapes, sizes and wattages. However these bulbs also are the least efficient and “burn out” quickly (relatively speaking) making them – over time – more expensive to operate vs newer lighting technologies. There is a more efficient version of the incandescent bulb, the Halogen, there are 2 main versions, the energy-saving halogen (which is a more efficient incandescent bulb for inside use) and the reflector or parabolic reflector (aka the flood light). In both cases, these bulbs are, overall, not that energy efficient so limiting their use is a good way to reduce your energy consumption and your energy cost. An alternative to the Incandescent bulb is the Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb (or CFL). According to the DOE, the CFL uses just 25 to 35% of the energy of an incandescent and lasts 10 times as long. They are more expensive to acquire, so your payback is realized over the long-haul. Do note that the EPA recommends specific guidelines for clean-up in the event of breakage and recycling at the end of use. Another alternative, and arguably a better alternative, to the CFL is the LED light. According to the DOE, an LED (or light emitting diode) is actually the “size of a fleck of pepper, and [uses] a mix of red, green, and blue to make white light.” LED’s also use 25% of the energy of Incandescent Light bulbs and emit just 10% of the heat. Further they also only emit 20% of the heat of CFLs and offer comparative if not better lighting quality. Making changes in your lighting habits and the types of lights you use is another way to increase your energy efficiency and your energy savings. Source 1: DOE: Energy Saver Lighting Controls: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/lighting-controls Source 2: DOE: Energy Saver When to Turn Off Your Lights: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/when-turn-your-lights Source 3: DOE: Energy Saver Incandescent Lighting: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/incandescent-lighting Source 4: DOE: Energy Saver Fluorescent Lighting: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/fluorescent-lighting Source 5: EPA: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs): http://www2.epa.gov/cfl Source 6: DOE: Energy Saver LED Lighting: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/led-lighting
7. Water Heating
• Hot water can account for 12% of a family’s utility bill
• DOE tips to help reduce your hot water usage:
• Take short showers instead of baths • Reduce your time in the shower • Lower the temperature on your water
heater to 120°F • Don't let the water run • Use cold water for most laundry loads,
and always use cold water for the rinse cycle.
• Use your dishwasher efficiently • Fix leaks • Install low-flow fixtures • Install heat traps on your water heater
tank (older units) • Insulate hot water tank • Insulate the first few feet of the hot
and cold water pipes connected to the water heater
• Install a timer (electric heaters)
Source: US Department of Energy
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Did you know that, according to the DOE, water heating accounts for about 12% of your energy bill, following heating and cooling as the next largest line item. Because of that, examining how you use your hot water, and making some simple behavior changes and investments can help you increase your energy efficiency and your energy savings. The DOE also provides some great tips on how to do this. To start, take showers instead of baths, but make sure to be timely about your time in the shower. If you find it hard to step out of the shower (especially this time of year), be sure your bathroom fan is working effectively and keep the bathroom door closed tightly, this should keep the room warm but also exhaust the excessive moisture effectively. Check your hot water heater temperature, most manufacturer settings are at 140 degrees, you can lower the thermostat setting to 120 degrees to reduce the energy used in heating your water. Be sure to avoid letting the water run, now it is understandable that that depending on the proximity your sink is from the heater will dictate the amount of time needed for the hot water to arrive, but be conscious of when the sink is running, if you do not need the water on (even for a few seconds) turn it off, the savings will add up over time. Use cold water wash for most laundry loads, and always for the rise cycle. They actually make detergent formatted for cold water wash now so this option can become a bigger part of your laundry work. Using your dishwasher more efficiently can be as simple as making sure to only run the dishwasher when you have a fill load. Also, if your dishwasher is equipped with a booster heater, you want to be sure it is activated as that can heat the water to the 140 degrees recommended for cleaning. Check your owners manual for function settings. Fixing leaks seems self evident, but slow leaks are tolerances we often find ourselves living with in the hustle and bustle of daily life. However did you know that a leak of one drip per second can cost you a dollar per month, wastes 8.64 gallons of water per day, 259 per month, and over 3,153 per year. The faster the drip, the greater the cost. Replacing older (especially pre 1992) water fixtures is another way to increase energy efficiency and energy savings. These older fixtures can use as much as twice the water that modern fixtures use meaning the small investment you make in an upgrade can produce a 25 to 60% recondition in consumption. If you have an older hot-water heater installing a heat trap could save you $15 to $30 per year on your heating bill by preventing inefficient convection. Most new heaters have this already have this technology built in and instillation on older units may require a licensed professional. Installing a hot water insulator can help keep the water in the tank at temperature longer, thus reducing the frequency of the heating cycle. Also, according to the DOE “insulating your hot water pipes reduces heat loss and can raise water temperature 2°F–4°F hotter than uninsulated pipes can deliver, allowing for a lower water temperature setting. You also won't have to wait as long for hot water when you turn on a faucet or showerhead, which helps conserve water. If you have an electric hot water heater a timer can prevent the unit from running at night or when there is peak demand. Source 1: DOE: Energy Saver 15 Ways to Save on Your Water Heating Bill: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/15-ways-save-your-water-heating-bill Source 2: DOE: Energy Saver Tips: Water Heating: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/tips-water-heating Source 3: DOE: Energy Savings Project: Lower Water Heating Temperature: http://energy.gov/energysaver/projects/savings-project-lower-water-heating-temperature Source 4: DOE: Energy Saver Reduce Hot Water Use for Energy Savings: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/reduce-hot-water-use-energy-savings Source 5: DOE: Energy Saver Savings Project: Insulate Hot Water Pipes For Energy Savings: http://energy.gov/energysaver/projects/savings-project-insulate-hot-water-pipes-energy-savings
8. Heating and Cooling Spaces Efficiently • Heating and cooling is 48% of utility cost.
• DOE offers these simple tips to improve efficiency:
• Clean or replace A/C & furnace filters once a month or as recommended.
• Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed;
• Make sure heat supply not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.
• Eliminate trapped air from hot-water radiators once or twice a season
• Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and the radiators.
• During winter, keep the draperies and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day and closed at night
• During summer, keep the window coverings closed during the day to block the sun's heat.
Source: US Department of Energy
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Presentation Notes
DOE offers these simple tips to improve the overall efficiency of heating and cooling spaces and though some tips will not apply to everyone, these are some great strategies to follow to increase your energy efficiency and decrees your energy cost: If you have a central air-conditioned, furnace or heat pump, you likely have an air filter. Make it a point to clean or replace your filters on once a month or as recommended. Clean your warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, or radiators as needed, also make sure that they are not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes. If your home has radiator heat, be sure to eliminate trapped air from the radiators once or twice a season; if unsure about how to perform this task, contact a professional. Also, (again for those with radiator heat) place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and the radiators. During the winter months, keep your draperies and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day to allow the sunlight to enter your home, but also be sure to close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows. During summer, however, you want to keep the window coverings closed during the day to block the sun's heat. Source 1: DOE: Energy Saver Tips: Heating and Cooling: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/tips-heating-and-cooling
Tips to Maintain Your Air Conditioner Tips to Maintain Your Heating System
Source: US Department of Energy
8. Heating and Cooling Spaces Efficiently
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No matter what kind of system you have, proper maintenance will have a positive impact on increasing your energy efficiency and your energy savings. The DOE provides some great recommendations in the two infographics you see. For Air-conditions, as already stated, be sure to replace or clan your filters. Check the evaporator coil every year and clean it as needed. If you find the coil fins are bent, use a “fin comb” (a specialty tool designed to) straighten the bent coils back. Clean any debris from the around the outside unit. Occasionally pass a stiff wire through the unis train to prevent clogs. If you use window units, be sure to inspect the seals around the unit to be sure that air is not escaping. And finally, be sure to have the system serviced regularly by a professional. For heaters, again change your filter regularly, remove dirt, soot or corrosion from around the eat exchanger, check your ducts and heating pipes to make sure they are sealed properly, and be sure that the vents or baseboards are not obstructed. And again, have the system serviced regularly by a professional. Source 1: DOE: Energy Saver Energy Saver 101 Infographic: Home Cooling: http://energy.gov/articles/energy-saver-101-infographic-home-cooling Source 2: DOE: Energy Saver Energy Saver 101 Infographic: Home Heating: http://energy.gov/articles/energy-saver-101-infographic-home-heating
9. Effective Thermostat Management
Basic Thermostat:
• Winter: • Set the thermostat to 68°F while
awake and at home. • Turn the thermostat back 10° to 15°
while asleep or away from home – can save 5 to 15% per year.
• Summer:
• Set the thermostat to 78°F while at home and needing cooling
• Follow the same approach to keeping the home warmer then normal when away.
• Common misconception: • Letting your home temperature
drop/rise makes the unit work harder
• As your house drops below its normal temperature, it will lose energy to the surrounding environment more slowly”
• Programmable Thermostat:
• Lets you set times for adjusting the temperature automatically
• Allow you to store multiple programs
Source: US Department of Energy
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Presentation Notes
Now we have talked about the importance of understanding what kind of systems you have and the proper way to maintain them, but we now want to shift to the concept of how you heat and cool your home. The chances are that no matter what kind of system you have, it is controlled by a thermostat that measures the indoor temperature and regulates when the heating or cooling system engages and disengages. Choosing the right temperature to set based on the time of the year and making adjustments for when you are home or away from home or asleep can result in an increase in energy efficiency and an increase in energy savings of 5 to 15% per year. If you have a basic thermostat, adjusting the temperature to 68°F in the winter months while you are at home and then turning the thermostat back 10° to 15° while at work or asleep. In the summer months, set the thermostat to 78°F for cooling while you are at home and follow the same approach, in the reverse direction when away. Now there is a common misconception that letting your home temperature drop/rise off your at home setting makes the unit work harder to restore the ambient temperature upon return. The DOE points that the reality is “as soon as your house drops below its normal temperature, it will lose energy to the surrounding environment more slowly.” A more efficient way to achieve these gains is to invest in a programmable thermostat which lets you set programs to make these adjustments automatically. Source 1: DOE: Energy Saver Thermostats: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/thermostats
10. Identify and seal air leaks
• Air leaks waste a lot of money • Caulk, seal, and weather strip all seams,
cracks, and openings to the outside.” • Target Areas:
• Dropped Ceiling • Recessed Lights • Attic Entrance • Sill Plates • Water and Furnace Flues • All ducts • Door Frames • Chimney Flashing • Window Frames • Outlets and Switches • Plumbing & Utility Access
Source: US Department of Energy
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According to the DOE “Air leaks can waste a lot of your energy dollars. One of the quickest energy-- and money-saving tasks you can do is caulk, seal, and weather strip all seams, cracks, and openings to the outside.” This diagram shows some of the most susceptible parts of a single family home for energy loss through air leaks. Source 1: DOE: Energy Saver Tips: Sealing Air Leaks: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/tips-sealing-air-leaks
10. Identify and seal air leaks
The DOE also offers these helpful hints to identify and seal energy leaks: • Test your home for air tightness using an incense
stick or smoke pen. • Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows that
leak air. • Caulk and seal air leaks where plumbing, ducting,
or electrical wiring comes through walls, floors, ceilings, and soffits over cabinets.
• Install foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on walls.
• Inspect dirty spots in your insulation for air leaks and mold. Seal leaks with low-expansion spray foam
• Look for dirty spots on your ceiling paint and carpet, which may indicate air leaks at interior wall/ceiling joints and wall/floor joists, and caulk them.
• Cover single-pane windows with storm windows • Use foam sealant on larger gaps around windows,
baseboards, and other places where air may leak out.
• Cover your kitchen exhaust fan to stop air leaks when not in use.
• Check your dryer vent to be sure it is not blocked. This will save energy and may prevent a fire.
• Replace door bottoms and thresholds with ones that have pliable sealing gaskets.
• Keep the fireplace flue damper tightly closed when not in use.
• Seal air leaks around fireplace chimneys, furnaces, and gas-fired water heater vents with fire-resistant materials such as sheet metal or sheetrock and furnace cement caulk.
Source: US Department of Energy
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The DOE also offers these helpful hints to identify and seal energy leaks: •Test your home for air tightness using an incense stick or smoke pen. •Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows that leak air. •Caulk and seal air leaks where plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring comes through walls, floors, ceilings, and soffits over cabinets. •Install foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on walls. •Inspect dirty spots in your insulation for air leaks and mold. Seal leaks with low-expansion spray foam •Look for dirty spots on your ceiling paint and carpet, which may indicate air leaks at interior wall/ceiling joints and wall/floor joists, and caulk them. •Cover single-pane windows with storm windows •Use foam sealant on larger gaps around windows, baseboards, and other places where air may leak out. •Cover your kitchen exhaust fan to stop air leaks when not in use. •Check your dryer vent to be sure it is not blocked. This will save energy and may prevent a fire. •Replace door bottoms and thresholds with ones that have pliable sealing gaskets. •Keep the fireplace flue damper tightly closed when not in use. •Seal air leaks around fireplace chimneys Source 1: DOE: Energy Saver Tips: Sealing Air Leaks: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/tips-sealing-air-leaks Source 2: DOE: Energy Saver Savings Project: How to Seal Air Leaks with Caulk: http://energy.gov/energysaver/projects/savings-project-how-seal-air-leaks-caulk Source 3: DOE: Energy Saver Taking on Scary Basements: http://energy.gov/articles/taking-scary-basements
Reference Resources Indoor Air Quality:
US EPA Indoor Air Quality Windows and Doors:
Energy Saver Doors Energy-Efficient Windows DOE: Energy Saver Storm Windows DOE: Window Types DOE: Energy Saver Energy Performance Ratings for Windows
Lighting: DOE: Energy Saver Lighting Controls DOE: Energy Saver When to Turn Off Your Lights DOE: Energy Saver Incandescent Lighting DOE: Energy Saver Fluorescent Lighting EPA: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) DOE: Energy Saver LED Lighting
Hot Water: DOE: Energy Saver 15 Ways to Save on Your Water Heating Bill DOE: Energy Saver Tips: Water Heating DOE: Energy Savings Project: Lower Water Heating Temperature DOE: Energy Saver Reduce Hot Water Use for Energy Savings DOE: Energy Saver Savings Project: Insulate Hot Water Pipes For Energy Savings
Air Leaks: DOE: Energy Saver Tips: Sealing Air Leaks DOE: Energy Saver Savings Project: How to Seal Air Leaks with Caulk DOE: Energy Saver Taking on Scary Basements
Energy-Efficient Strategies: DOE: Energy Saver Energy-Efficient Computer Use DOE: Energy Saver Tips: Home Office and Electronics: Home Energy Audits DOE Energy Saver Tips: Your Home’s Energy Use DOE: Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audits DOE: Professional Home Energy Audits DOE: Energy Saver 101 Infographic: Home Energy Audits RESNET HERS Index Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory: Standby Power DOE: Energy Saver Lighting Controls Energy Saver When to Turn Off Your Lights DOE: Energy Saver Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use DOE: Energy Saver Tips: Appliances
Energy Star: Ceiling Fans Ventilation Fans Refrigerators Water Heaters Central Air Energy Saver Calculator Heat Pump Energy Saver Calculator
Heating and Cooling: DOE: Furnace and Boiler Basics DOE: Energy Saver Gas-Fired Boilers and Furnaces DOE: Energy Saver Oil-Fired Boilers and Furnaces DOE: Air-Source Heat Pumps DOE: Air-Conditioning DOE: Energy Saver Energy Saver 101 Infographic: Home Cooling Source DOE: Energy Saver Energy Saver 101 Infographic: Home Heating DOE: Energy Saver Thermostats DOE: Energy Saver Purchasing a New Energy-Efficient Central Heating System American Council for an Energy-Efficent Economy: Heating American Council for an Energy-Efficent Economy: Cooling
Insulation: DOE: Energy Saver Adding Insulation to an Existing Home Insulation Contractors Association of America (ICAA) Official Buyers Guide Source 1: DOE: Energy Saver Where to Insulate in a Home
Green/Alternative Solutions: DOE Energy Saver: Grid-Connected Renewable Energy Systems DOE Energy Saver Solar Water Heaters GeoExchagne Comparing HVAC Systems
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If you would like any more information about the topics we covered today, click on one of these helpful links!
Questions
Thank You! Presented by: Charlie Hudson Business Development Account Representative, NASA FCU E-Mail [email protected] Phone: (301) 249-1800 Ext. 267
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