6 Low-Cost Tips

FOR HOMEOWNERS TO SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY

1. Re-think your lighting choices.Use more efficient, lower-wattage light bulbs that produce equivalent or superior light output and quality. LEDs are an excellent option because of their longevity compared to modern incandescent electric lightbulbs.

2. Make sure to unplug.Even if you turn your computer off before going to sleep, it is still drawing energy (this is sometimes called a “vampire load”).  Make sure lights and plug loads are turned off at night, and throughout the day when not needed.

3. Mitigate door and window drafts.Drafts can signal to your thermostat to raise the heat or lower the temperature, leading to a higher energy bill. Repair broken windows and weather strip or caulk windows and doors where drafts can be felt or there are visible signs of deterioration.

4. Use shading devices.Shading devices are an excellent option to save energy. Your energy bills will be lower in the summer if you use curtains, blinds, and awnings that mitigate direct sunlight. 

5. Re-examine your thermostat.Replace manual thermostats with programmable thermostats, and turn down heating and cooling systems when your house is unoccupied or when you’re asleep.

6. Verify maintenance protocol for HVAC.A clean system in good repair is much more efficient than one that could use some maintenance. A well-tuned HVAC system, in combination with a programmable thermostat, is an easy way to avoid wasting energy.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation works to save America’s historic places. Preservation Tips & Tools helps others do the same in their own communities.

For more information, visit SavingPlaces.org.

Mary-Katherine Ream/Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0; Clean Energy Resource Team/Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0; Rachel/Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0; willie fogg/Flickr/CC BY 2.0; Dorte/Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0; jill, jellidonut…whatever/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0; defkreationz/Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.