Easy Home Energy Efficiency Improvements to Save Money

Posted on: Sep 27, 2016

Home energy efficiency improvements are an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint while saving energy costs. That’s especially true right now that the government is offering significant incentives when you purchase energy saving equipment.

However, it’s not usually easy to determine what energy efficiency improvements you need. What upgrades would have the biggest impact? Which ones would save you the most money? Start with these 21 easy improvements.

Lighting

1. Replace all retro-fit non energy efficient light fixtures.
2. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent ones.
3. Lower light levels around your computer monitors.
4. Install occupant sensors to automatically turn lights on and off.
5. Take advantage of natural light by not turning on additional lights during the day.

Water Heating

1. Use hot water wisely. If there is no need to heat it, just use cold water.
2. Insulate all hot and cold water pipes as well as hot water holding tanks.
3. The water heater should be set to the lowest required temperature.
4. Install efficient shower heads and faucet aerators to minimize water wastage.
5. Be wary of hidden leaks. Perform periodic checks to uncover and fix them.

Refrigeration

1. If some of your refrigerated spaces don’t have doors, add strip curtains to minimize energy loss.
2. Unless you’re using them, always turn off lights in your walk-in refrigerators.
3. Perform routine maintenance such as vacuuming to clean out dust.
4. Old refrigerators and freezers consume a lot of energy. Consider replacing them.

Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems

1. Make sure every element of the HVAC system is operating efficiently.
2. Check for and seal any leaks in components such as steam traps, pipes, and couplings.
3. Inspect and replace air filters regularly. Blocked, dirty filters work harder to draw airflow, often consuming up to 15% more energy in the process.
4. Inspect and remove any obstructions in air radiators and air intake valves.
5. Install a programmable thermostat or manually adjust the existing one during occupied times.

Buildings

1. Plug leaks around doors, windows, and outlets with caulk or weather stripping.
2. Install fans to help with air conditioning in the summer and to pull down warm air in the winter.

We want to help

Established in 1961, AirCo Service Inc. is an A/C, Heating, Plumbing, and Electrical services company serving Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Grand Lake Area, Oklahoma. Contact us today to learn more about home energy efficiency improvements and to find experts to help you accomplish these upgrades.