The Energy Right program is an energy efficiency initiative offered by TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) and participating local power companies to promote the wise and efficient use of electricity in homes and small businesses. The program offers a broad range of services, including an energy efficiency rating system for new home construction, which help residents and small business owners improve comfort while making the most of their energy dollars.
Here are a few of my favorite energy right and wrongs from Energy Right. The full list can be found here, along with an energy calculator, energy comparisons, and more.
ENERGY WRONG
Forget about those filters. But only if you want to increase heating or cooling costs. Dirty filters make your unit work harder. For maximum efficiency, clean or replace your air filters every month. A good way to remember is to change out the filter when you get your electric bill.
Hide those unsightly vents. You may not like the way they look, but your vents and return grill need to be out in the open. Adequate air flow is important not only for your comfort, but also for the life and efficiency of the heating and cooling system.
Buy it and forget it. Just like your car, your heating and cooling units need to have periodic checkups. Have your heating and air conditioning contractor inspect your system annually.
Why not cut corners on insulation? Proper insulation will pay for itself in both heating and cooling your home. Since hot air rises, the greatest heat loss is often through the ceiling. Insulating your attic will make a big difference in savings and comfort. Storm or double-paned windows, storm doors, weather stripping and caulking will also help keep the warm air in during the winter and cool air in during the summer. Also make certain the floor above your crawl space is well insulated. An insulation value of R –11 or greater in the floor will help achieve greater comfort and lower heating bills.
Wide open garage doors. Your garage doors could be the last line of defense between you and the great outdoors. During the winter months, keep your garage doors shut. In the summer, let heat escape by opening a window or installing a ventilation fan. Also, consider insulated doors for even more efficiency.
Set the thermostat to 90º. But only if you want a higher heating bill. Your home warms up at the same speed, regardless of the temperature setting. So you won’t reach your desired temperature any sooner by setting the thermostat to a higher setting than you are actually seeking.
ENERGY RIGHTS
High tech thermostats. Programmable thermostats can save you money and energy any time of the year. For instance, in the winter you can program the thermostat to run cooler at night and warmer during the day. Interested? Talk to your heating and air conditioning contractor for a programmable thermostat designed just for heat pumps
Keep it indoors. Whether you’re heating or cooling, you don’t want your energy going out the door. Caulk and weather-strip around doors and window frames. Closely check any area where pipes go from the outside of your home to the inside, especially plumbing pipes. And if you have operable storm windows, make sure those are shut, too.
Check your ducts. Leaky ductwork often accounts for 10-30% of your total heating and cooling costs. And if you’re losing 20% of your total airflow due to leaks, the efficiency of your cooling or heating system can drop by 50%. For tips on improving your ductwork, visit energyright.com.
Insulate your outlets. Believe it or not, those tiny holes in your electrical outlets let cold air into your home. You can remove the outlet covers and insert specially designed insulation pads underneath. Also, put insulating plugs in all outlets that aren’t in use.
Switch on the compact fluorescents. Make the switch from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescents. They use 75% less energy and last up to ten times longer. That adds up to more light for less money. Learn more about CFLs here.
Plant a tree. Mature shade trees not only look beautiful, they can also cut your cooling bills. Check with a local nursery to find out which trees are best for your area and then plant them around your home, especially on the southern and western sides.
