Energy prices are increasing & so is the environmental impact
The average energy prices in the US have increased by over 12% in the last year, according to the latest data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). As energy costs continue to rise, making your home more energy efficient is becoming increasingly important, but can in some cases require upfront costs. In this blog we will run through 51 ways you can make your home energy efficient.
Is buying energy efficient replacements more expensive in the long run? It is proven not only will it save you money on your energy bills, but it will also help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. With the recent IPCC report that came out, it is more clear than ever as individuals we need to start taking action NOW.
Now, you can get paid to make your home more energy efficient
Not to mention, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)—the biggest climate bill in US history—will help bring down the costs of solar panels, electric vehicles, and renewable energy sources. It may also change how people cook and do laundry: The bill sets aside $4.5 billion for the first-ever federal consumer rebates on electric appliances such as ranges, ovens, cooktops, and heat-pump clothes dryers.
To help people navigate the numbers, Rewiring America created a calculator to show rebate possibilities based on your household income and size, your zip code, your tax filing, and whether you own or rent your home.
As energy costs continue to rise, here are 51 cheap and easy ways to save hundreds of dollars a year on electricity bills and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time. Make sure to check if you can get a rebate on these purchases as well!
Here are 51 ways to make your home more energy efficient (& save money!)
Install solar panels to generate electricity
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the cost of installing solar panels has decreased by more than 70% over the past decade, and solar panels can save homeowners tens of thousands of dollars on energy bills over their lifetime. Installing solar panels on your roof can also increase the value of your home. According to a study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, homes with solar panels sold for an average of $15,000 more than homes without them.
Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule
Installing a programmable thermostat can save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs per year. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 1,050 pounds per year.
Use energy-efficient light bulbs, such as LED or CFL bulbs
Switching to energy-efficient light bulbs can save up to $75 per year in energy costs. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 1,400 pounds per year. Order some on amazon here.
Unplug electronics when they’re not in use to reduce energy
Unplugging electronics when they’re not in use can save up to $100 per year in energy costs. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 1,000 pounds per year.
Use a power strip to turn off multiple electronics at once
Using a power strip to turn off multiple electronics at once can save up to $200 per year in energy costs. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 2,000 pounds per year. Find a power strip here.
Seal air leaks around windows and doors with weatherstripping
Sealing air leaks around windows and doors with weatherstripping can save up to 15% on heating and cooling costs per year. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 2,000 pounds per year. Find weatherstripping seals here.
Insulate your attic, walls, and floors to reduce heat loss
Insulating your attic, walls, and floors can save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs per year. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 1,800 pounds per year.
Use a low-flow shower head to reduce water usage
Using a low-flow shower head and keeping your showers under 10 minutes can save you up to $145 a year on electricity and can save up to 2,900 gallons of water per year according to Energy Star. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 1,200 pounds per year. Find a low flow shower head here.
Fix leaky faucets to save water
Fixing leaky faucets can save up to 3,000 gallons of water per year. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 1,200 pounds per year and save you up to 10% on your water bill, according to the EPA.
Use a front-loading, water-efficient washing machine to save water and energy
Using a front-loading washing machine can save up to 50% on your water bill and 7,000 gallons of water per year. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 600 pounds per year according to Energy Star. You can find them at Lowes.
Air dry clothes instead of using a dryer
Air drying clothes instead of using a dryer can save 10-20% in energy costs. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions from your household by by up to 2,400 pounds per year. Here are some drying racks.
Use a toaster oven or microwave instead of the oven when possible
Using a toaster oven or microwave instead of the oven can save up to $50 per year in energy costs. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 200 pounds per year.
Turn off the oven a few minutes early and let residual heat finish cooking food
Turning off the oven a few minutes early and letting residual heat finish cooking food can save up to $50 per year in energy costs. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 200 pounds per year.
Keep your refrigerator and freezer full to improve energy efficiency
The majority of the energy your freezer uses goes towards cooling down the air that comes in when you open the freezer door. Keeping your refrigerator and freezer full can save up to $100 per year or 25% in energy costs. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 700 pounds per year.
Keep your refrigerator and freezer clean and well-maintained
Keeping your refrigerator and freezer clean and well-maintained can save 15% on your energy costs. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 700 pounds per year. Make sure to clean the coils at least once a year.
Set your refrigerator and freezer temperatures to the most efficient settings
Setting your refrigerator and freezer temperatures to the most efficient settings can save up to 10% in energy costs. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 700 pounds per year.
Use a slow cooker or pressure cooker to save energy
Using a slow cooker or pressure cooker can save up to 75% in energy costs. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 1,800 pounds per year. You can find slow cookers here.
Use a teapot to boil water instead of heating it on the stove
Using a teapot to boil water instead of heating it on the stove can save up to 50% on your energy costs. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 100 pounds per year.
Use a lid when cooking to retain heat
Using a lid when cooking can save you up to 20% on your energy costs. Using a lid when cooking to retain heat can save up to $36 per year in energy costs. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 144 pounds per year.
Use a crock pot/Dutch oven/microwave to cook food more efficiently
Using a crock pot Dutch oven or microwave to cook food more efficiently can save you up to 80% on your cooking energy costs. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 2,000 pounds per year.
Use a high-efficiency furnace or boiler to heat your home energy
Using a high-efficiency furnace or boiler can save you up to 30% on your heating costs. (source: Energy Star)Installing a high-efficiency furnace can save up to 20% on heating costs per year. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 5,000 pounds per year.
Use a wood stove or pellet stove for supplemental heating
Using a wood stove or pellet stove for supplemental heating can save you up to 30% on your heating costs. (source: Energy.gov)
Use a ceiling fan to improve air circulation
Using a ceiling fan to improve air circulation can save you up to 40% on your cooling costs. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 1,500 pounds per year.
(source: Energy.gov)
Use a portable fan to cool rooms instead of an air conditioner
Using a portable fan to cool rooms instead of an air conditioner can save you up to 90% on your cooling costs. When buying ceiling fans, look for the ENERGY STAR® label. Ceiling fans that are Energy Star certified are up to 40% more efficient, on average, than conventional models.
Clean or replace air filters regularly to improve air quality and energy efficiency
Cleaning or replacing air filters regularly can save you up to 15% on your energy costs.
Use a programmable timer to control when appliances and lights turn on and off
Turning off lights when leaving a room can save up to $50 per year in energy costs. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 900 pounds per year. Find programmable timers here.
Planting shade trees or installing window shades to reduce energy
Planting shade trees or installing window shades can reduce cooling costs by up to 50%. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 2,500 pounds per year.
Use motion sensors to turn lights on and off automatically or just make sure to shut them when you leave a room
Turning off lights when leaving a room can save up to $50 per year in energy costs. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 900 pounds per year.
Use a smart home system to control and automate your home’s energy usage
According to a study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), smart home systems can reduce energy consumption by 10-18% on average, leading to an annual savings of $50-$180 per household.
Use a water efficient toilet
Using a water-efficient toilet can save up to 13,000 gallons of water per year. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 2,600 pounds per year.
Use a solar water heater to heat your water
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, solar water heaters can reduce the energy needed to heat water by 50-80%, depending on the climate and the type of system used. Furthermore, using a solar water heater can also increase the value of your home. According to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, homes with solar water heaters sold for 4.1% more than homes without them.
Use natural light instead of artificial light whenever possible
Using natural light instead of artificial light during the day can save up to $50 per year in energy costs. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 900 pounds per year.
Use window coverings to block out the sun’s heat during the summer
Installing insulating window coverings can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 25%, which can lead to significant cost savings on heating bills. In addition, window coverings can reduce solar heat gain by up to 77%, which can help reduce the amount of energy needed to cool your home in the summer.
Install a low-flow faucet
Installing low-flow faucet aerators can save up to 700 gallons of water per year. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 300 pounds per year.
Plant trees to shade your home
In addition to absorbing up to 48 lbs of carbon dioxide a year, by planting trees near and around your house to shade it from the sun According to the U.S. Department of Energy, strategically planting trees around a home can reduce air conditioning needs by up to 50%.
Use a gas fireplace instead of a wood-burning fireplace
Using a gas fireplace instead of a wood-burning fireplace can save up to $100 per year in energy costs. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 3,000 pounds per year.
Use a humidifier in the winter to add moisture to the air and reduce heating costs
By using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, the heating system does not have to work as heat to cool the space, leading to lower energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Find humidifiers here.
Use a hot water heater blanket
Using a hot water heater blanket can save up to 10% on water heating costs per year. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 450 pounds per year. You can get a hot water heater blanket here.
Use a high-efficiency air conditioner to reduce energy
Save up to 50% on cooling costs per user and reduce up to 4,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year when you switch to a high-energy efficient air conditioner.
Use a dehumidifier in the summer to reduce humidity and cooling costs
By using a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air, the air conditioning system does not have to work as hard to cool the space, leading to lower energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Use a space heater to heat a specific room instead of heating the entire house
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, space heaters can be up to 80% more energy-efficient than central heating systems, which can result in significant cost savings over time.
Use a low-emissivity (Low-E) coating on windows to reduce heat loss
Low-E coatings are a thin, virtually invisible layer of metal or metallic oxide that are applied to the surface of windows to reduce the amount of heat that is transferred through the glass. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing low-E windows can save homeowners up to 25% on their heating and cooling costs.
Use a laptop instead of a desktop computer to save energy
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a laptop consumes an average of 80% less energy than a desktop computer. In addition, laptops have the added benefit of being portable, which allows you to work from anywhere without the need for a constant power source. This can also lead to a reduction in energy consumption, as you can work in natural light or in a room with lower energy requirements. You can also expect to save around $15 to $50 per year.
Turn off your computer when you’re not using it to reduce home energy
Computers consume energy even when they are not in use, and this “standby power” can account for up to 10% of a household’s energy consumption. This means that leaving a computer on 24/7 can lead to unnecessary energy waste and carbon emissions. According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, turning off a desktop computer and monitor when they are not in use can save up to $75 per year in energy costs and prevent the release of up to 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year.
Use a tablet or e-reader instead of printed books and magazines
According to a study by the Cleantech Group, a single e-reader can save up to 23 kilograms of CO2 emissions over its lifetime, compared to the production and distribution of a printed book. This is equivalent to the carbon footprint of about 30 miles of driving in a typical passenger vehicle.
Use a hybrid or electric vehicle
The average gasoline-powered vehicle emits approximately 4.6 metric tons of CO2 per year, while the average electric vehicle emits only about 2.3 metric tons per year. In addition, the average fuel cost savings for an electric vehicle compared to a gasoline-powered vehicle is around $750 per year, with even greater savings for plug-in hybrids. Learn more about how this can also can create a super-leverage point.
Use a clothes washer with a high spin speed to reduce drying time
Using a clothes washer with a high spin speed can reduce drying time by up to 30% according to the U.S. Department of Energy, leading to energy savings of up to 15% and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of up to 10%.
Wash your clothes on cold
Washing clothes on cold can reduce energy consumption by up to 90% compared to washing clothes on hot according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Use a clothes dryer with a moisture sensor to reduce drying time
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using a moisture sensor on a clothes dryer can reduce energy consumption by up to 15%. This reduction in energy consumption can result in significant cost savings on energy bills over time, especially for larger households or those who do laundry frequently.
Use a clothes dryer with a heat pump to save energy
A heat pump clothes dryer can use up to 50% less energy than a traditional electric clothes dryer.
Use a heat pump water heater to save energy
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a heat pump water heater can use up to 50% less energy than a traditional electric water heater, resulting in significant cost savings over time.
While the initial investment in some of these energy-savers may be higher, the long-term benefits in terms of energy efficiency and reduced emissions can make it a worthwhile investment.
It’s worth noting that the impact of some of these swaps or actions may be small when compared to other energy-saving measures, such as upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or installing solar panels. However, every little bit helps when it comes to reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
We hope that these 51 ways to make your home energy efficient sparked some ideas and inspiration! Download the Ripplfect mobile app to start tracking the impact of taking action and reducing your home energy. If you do anything listed above – you can track it on our mobile app to get points that you can later redeem for rewards.