Energy Savings Checklist

With the weather changing and Fall here in most places, it’s a good time to run an energy savings audit of your household to ensure that you are not wasting electricity and driving up heating bills unnecessarily over the winter.  Many people like to think of this as a checklist which is good to do a fairly comprehensive review at least once a year:

–Have filters cleaned or replaced – maintain your heating infrastructure and ensure that the heating system has been properly serviced and cleaned. Not only will this help to keep electric bills down, it will also help prevent accidental fires or breakage.

–Check windows and doors for drafts and cracks – other ways in which heat leaks out of a house are through poorly insulated attics and uncovered electrical outlets.  Reseal windows as appropriate and in case of large door drafts, look into a door cozy (or a temporary cloth blocker).

–See if the hot water heater can be turned down a degree or two — most people don’t realize a small change in the water temperature.  Be sure the hot water heater is also properly serviced and insulated.

–If your appliances are very old, look to replace them – most appliances have been remade in recent years to use less electricity, especially large items like space heaters, clothes dryers and refrigerators.  If you have a very old model, replacing it will likely improve your electric bill.

--Be aware of the energy drain of plugged in electronics – I was surprised to find how much energy is drained just to keep items (like a television) plugged in and in the ready state.  Have power strips that you can turn off and unplug infrequently used appliances to cut down on this “phantom” energy use.

shared at Works for Me Wednesday and Frugal Friday