According to the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association, the following are the ten best ways to save energy in your home:
- Set your water tank thermostat to 122 degrees and add an insulation blanket. For extra savings, insulate your hot water pipes.
- Use compact fluorescent lamps. If you replace your home’s five most frequently used light fixtures or bulbs in them with EnergyStar models, you could save more than $65 each year.
- Eliminate phantom load. Many appliances use energy even though they are turned off. To eliminate this energy use, use power strips and timers.
- Use a programmable thermostat.
- Air seal your home. Start with your basement sills, then pipes, wires and lights through the attic floor. Next, seal your walls, windows, doors and electrical outlets. Use a professional for the best savings.
- Look for the EnergyStar label on home appliances. You could save $75 a year if you choose energy efficient appliances from EnergyStar. For more information, check out their website.
- Insulate your attic. For cold climates like Maine, it is recommended to have 14 inches of blown cellulose. However, a professional energy audit will recommend the specific amount for your home.
- Insulate your walls. It is a difficult job for an existing home, but the savings can be significant. It is recommended to hire a professional.
- Insulate your exposed exterior basement walls. It is recommended to hire a professional.
- Replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with EnergyStar qualified equipment and sealing your ducts can cut your energy bill by as much as 10-20%.
To learn more about the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association, check out their website.
