DIY Energy Saving Checklist

DIY Energy Saving Checklist

The number one energy saving tip is to have an energy audit done on your home from a licensed professional. However there are many DIY homeowners who would rather take matters into their own hands. Our Energy Saving Checklist gives you a great list of items you can start looking at to reduce your energy bills today!

Lighting

Change light bulbs to CLFs or LEDs

Use natural light during day to avoid turn lights on

Use certified energy saving lamps and other lighting fixtures

Install timers, sensors and/or dimmers on indoor and outdoor lights

Only turn on lights as needed and make sure to turn them off when leaving the room

Use one high-watt bulb compared to multiple low-watt bulbs

Ensure all recessed lighting is properly sealed

Windows and Doors

Caulk window and door frames inside and outside

Install storm or thermal windows

Close blinds and/or curtains to avoid temperature loss

Fix any broken or cracked windows or doors

Ensure all doors, sliders, storm doors and attic doors and/or stairs are sealed properly when closed

Refrigerators

Inspect both fridge and freezer doors for a tight seal so as not to lose cold air

Clean under and around refrigerator and refrigerator coils, dust build-up loses cooling efficiency

Make sure your refrigerator is not in direct sunlight or in an unheated space for best efficiency

Avoid having multiple refrigerators

Regularly defrost manual-defrost refrigerator units

Set temperature at a mid-level temperature, too cold or warm wastes your units efficiency

Try to take all items needed while cooking at once to avoid continuous openings of the door

Invest in an energy saving refrigerator

Washers

Only run a load when it is a full load

Wash in cold water whenever possible

Unplug or use circuit breaker to shut off power to washer when not in use

Inspect your washer and water pipes for leaks

If possible mover washer close to your water heater to help retain heated water in pipes

Always rinse in cold water, it has no effect on the cleaning of clothes

Adjust water levels on your washer if possible

Invest in an energy saving washer

Dryers

Inspect vent hoses for clogs and build-up of lint on a regular basis

Run multiple loads in a row to get best efficiency

Line dry clothes whenever possible

Unplug or use circuit breaker to shut of power to dryer when not in use

Clean lint trap before every load

Inspect vents on outside wall to ensure it is sealed properly

Don’t over dry your clothes

Invest in an energy saving dryer

Water Heaters

Insulate the outside of your water heater and the pipes leaving it

Turn temperature down on your water heater to 120 degrees

Use circuit breaker to shut off power to the water heater when hot water is not needed

Inspect your water heater for leaks

Keep water heater as close to kitchen as possible to retain heated water in pipes

Make sure you water heater is the proper size for your water needs

Drain your water heater 1 or 2 times a year to avoid mineral deposits and build-ups

Install water softener if you have hard water

Invest in an energy saving water heater

Consider investing in a natural gas water heater

Dishwashers

Avoid pre-rinsing when possible

Only run a load when it is a full load

Only use the dishwasher to wash dishes, then air dry or hand dry dishes

Inspect your dishwasher for leaks

Unplug or use circuit breaker to shut off power to dishwasher when not in use

Invest in an energy saving dishwasher

Maintain airs filters on your dishwashers if it has any

Run short wash cycles

Stoves/Ovens

When cooking in oven turn off the oven a little before food is done, the residual heat will finish your cooking

Use small cooking appliances when possible i.e. microwave, toaster oven, slow cooker, griddle

Avoid peeking in oven while in use

Ensure you oven door is sealed properly when closed

Use lids on pans whenever possible to retain heat

Check your ovens temperature for accuracy

Invest in an energy saving stove/oven

Consider investing in a natural gas store/oven

Heating/Cooling Units and Fireplaces

Ensure every part of the outside walls of your home are properly insulated including basements and attics

Regularly clean all vents and air filters

Close damper when fireplace in not in use

Inspect damper for air leaks

Avoid using heat and fireplace at the same time to prevent air loss thru damper

Use timers on your heating/cooling units, set if for less use while not home

Use only a fan instead of a/c if staying in one room

When cold, lower heat and dress warmer; when warm, lower a/c and dress cooler

Update ceilings to R-30

Have your units inspected to ensure all parts are working properly

Keep units out of direct sunlight

Use a unit appropriate for the size of space

Window a/c units should be sealed when installed and removed when season is over

Keep air vents clear to heat or cool your home

With you a/c turn off all appliances and electronics when possible to avoid excess heat in your home

Use a space heater to heat a single room instead of the entire furnace running

Invest in an energy saving furnace

Invest in energy saving units

Consider investing in a natural gas furnace

Outlets and Electronics

Install foam gaskets behind electrical outlets and switch plate covers

Unplug all unused products when not in use i.e. phone chargers, video games, microwaves, etc.

Use power strips to unplug multiple items at the same time more easily

Shut down and unplug computers when not in use

Sinks/Shower

Inspect faucets for leaks

Use faucet aerators to save water

Take shorter showers

Install a low-flow showerhead

Turn off water while brushing teeth

Use cold water with garbage disposals

Outdoors

Install solar panels

Run pool filters and/or heaters only when pool, hot tub or jacuzzi is in use

Clean and skim pool by hand instead of electronic devices

Outdoor landscaping should be localized to avoid excessive watering

LowerElectricBillToday.com is a resource for homeowners to help them lower their energy bills through energy saving tips and electricity deregulation.