Climate Class - Energy Efficiency at Home
Energy Efficiency at Home
With seemingly endless days at home, we’re all wondering how much energy we’re using while working, cooking and entertaining ourselves on repeat.
Then, we do something about it. Here are some ideas to lower your energy consumption without straying too far from your recliner.
Biggest Impact:
Be Energy Efficient
The average U.S. family can spend $2,000 a year on energy bills, so using less energy is the single most effective way to save money and reduce your home’s contribution to climate change. Energy efficiency—or using energy smarter to reduce waste—can combat global climate change, boost the economy, and make air safer to breathe. When you think about the impact, making simple changes becomes imperative.
Replace old bulbs
LED bulbs use up to 85% less energy than traditional bulbs and can last for 25 years. Use the Right Light app to help you choose the appropriate energy efficient LED bulb for your home.
Weatherize up
Not only will it make your space more comfortable, but insulation, air sealing, moisture control, and proper ventilation can help you use less energy and save money. Check out the Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program for help.
Use powerstrips + unplug
About a quarter of the energy used in homes is from devices that are off or idle. Power strips help you avoid overloading electrical outlets and efficiently distribute energy to appliances. They also let you easily “unplug” multiple devices at once. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using an advanced power strip to control power can save you $100 a year.
Turn down the water heat
To save money and energy, set your hot water heater to about 120°F. Believe it or not, 13% of your home’s electricity goes to heating water. To reduce heat loss even more (by 25-to-45% even) insulate your hot water tank with a jacket.
Program your home
If within budget, invest in smart, programmable thermostats that know your favorite temperature and routines, saving you energy and money without having to think about it. If your thermostat is less than smart, a good rule of thumb is to manually set your AC to 78°F degrees when home, and 84°F when away for two-plus hours. In the winter, set heat at 68°F when home, and 62°F when away. The recommended temperature range for the refrigerator is 36°F to 38°F and 0°F to 5°F for the freezer.
Medium Impact:
Switch to “Clean” Electricity Sources
Most of the electricity in the U.S. is made from dirty, polluting, non-renewable sources like coal and other fossil fuels, creating more CO2 than any other sector, and making it the No. 1 industrial cause of air pollution.Generating electricity with clean, renewable resources not only has environmental benefits, but also economic ones: It creates green jobs, supports a homegrown energy source, and brings development to rural areas.
Go electric
Switch from natural gas or petroleum to “clean” electric energy for home appliances like ovens, water heaters and heating/cooling. Just because it’s electric doesn’t mean it’s clean—check appliances for the highest seasonal energy efficiency ratio (or SEER) for maximum efficiency.
Install solar
If solar panels don’t fit your curb aesthetic, check out the newest technology—solar shingles. Going solar is an investment, but state and federal incentive programs can help with installation costs. You also can deduct 26% of the cost from your federal taxes (expiring soon, so get that credit ASAP.) You may also be able to “net-meter” or sell excess power back to your utility’s grid.
Take a look at the NRDC’s Energy Efficient Home Makeover for a fun summary of small changes we can make throughout our homes
Sign up to go green
If you can't install solar, sign up with a company like Green Mountain Energy, which pulls home electric power from clean energy sources instead of fossil fuels. You can also get monthly credit by sponsoring solar panels through Community Solar and Co-Op Community Solar. Check out Energy Service Companies for Green Power products in New York state.
Smallest Impact:
Use Less Water
The earth might seem abundant with water, but less than 1% is available for human use. And every year, we see more global water crises.
In addition to saving money on your utility bill, water conservation helps prevent water pollution in nearby lakes, rivers, and watersheds. Conserving water also prevents greenhouse gas emissions associated with treating and distributing water. After understanding your water usage, check out some of the ways to conserve it.
Turn off the tap
Shorten your showers (a 5-to-8 minute playlist works great as a timer) and shut off water when brushing and washing. Extra credit: install a low-flow showerhead and faucet aerator to save up to 65% on the water you normally use.
Wash when full
Save laundry day for full loads— try wearing jeans, pants, and loose tops at least three times before washing. Switch to cold water whenever possible. Heating water takes 90% of the energy used to wash clothes, but cold water works just as well.
Invest in efficiency
When it’s time to replace old appliances, choose energy efficient new ones with Energy Star and WaterSense labels. Front loading washing machines, for instance, can save up to 13 gallons of water per load.
Collect rainwater
A great way to repurpose rain for your garden and yard is to collect it. Also consider planting native plants and watering in the morning to avoid evaporation and fungus growth.
Use the dishwasher
An electric dishwasher uses 5,000 fewer gallons of hot water per year compared to washing by hand. Of course, wait until it’s completely full. If handwashing, scrape food off dishes thoroughly instead of pre-rinsing, fill your sink with soapy water to scrub all your dishes without the faucet running, and use only the necessary amount of soap.
Take your efficiency efforts a step further
by voting for candidates down the ballot who believe in Clean Energy and Environmental Justice. On Day 1 of his presidency, Joe Biden plans to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement, reverse the environmental damage of the current administration, and invest $400 billion over ten years in clean energy.
Register to vote and show up (or vote by mail and deliver your ballot) in November. Stay tuned for our next newsletter: Climate Vote!
Need help voting?
PHOTOS BY: SOPHIE FABBRI, COPY BY: JESSICA GORDON, PRESENTED BY: BEST X GERMANTOWN LAUNDROMAT X LONG TRAIL SUSTAINABILITY