Practical Approach to Energy Savings:
The EPA estimates the average home uses $1400 ($117 mo. ) of energy a year. The breakdown of how energy is used is as follows ( annual item cost shown to right )
Item % Total Annual Cost Monthly cost
Heating and Cooling 45% $630 $53
Water Heater 11% 154 13
Washer & Dryer 10% 140 12
LIghting 7% 98 8
Refrigerator 6% 84 7
Dishwasher 2% 28 2
Television/VCR/DVD 2% 28 2
Computer and Monitor 2% 28 2
Remaining Appliances
(stoves,microwaves,ovens,
small applicances ) 15% 210 18
This guide suggests that if you buy a new refrigerator expecting to lower your electric bill a large amount...even a new, more efficient model saving using 30%
less energy will save you about $2 a month or $24 a year. It is wise to match up "real" expected energy savings to a large investment to be sure you are gaining the energy advantages your are paying "extra" for when you buy. Many
times, a lower cost, newer model will give you almost the same results witn a much faster payback on its initial cost. This chart above will help you gain some insight on what you spend versus the results you might expect based on an average home.
Practical Tips for the Home
Let's start with the roof and work down. Think about length of time before replacement ( steel and fiber cement last longest ), some solar products integrate asphalt shingles and there is metal and cement tile roofs as well. In hotter climates, use a lighter color which absorbs less heat and reduces cooling costs. Look for recycled buidling materials as well.
If remodeling or building, use factory built trusses and pre-hung doors as they are a more efficient use of raw materials and create no waste at the site. Make sure to use plenty of insulation by increasing the "R" value. Heating and cooling make up about half of your energy bill. Insulate the basement as well if it will be used as a family room. Use passive solar design features like large south facing windows, which help heat the home in winter and allow more natural daylight. High efficiency windows like low emittance gas ( low-e) help keep heat in during the wnter and out during the summer.
There are alternatives to wood in recycled plastic lumber and wood composites that can be used for decks, porches, trim and fencing. Natural wood flooring, recyled carpet brands, laminates that sucessfully mimic scarce hardwoods and linoleum are all floor options that are environmentally friendly.
When choosing appliances, look to tankless water heaters, front loading washers use about 40% less water and make sure you look for the Energy Star
label that may save you up to 30% on energy costs.
When landscaping, use as many plants as possible that use little water.
Let's talk about lighting. Compact fluorescent bulbs have dome down in cost over the past 20 years from about $15 each to about $1.50 now. Here is their advantage over incandescent bulbs.
The average CFL will last about 10,000 hours or 10 years in normal use ( 3hrs a day ). Thea average incandescent bulb sill last 1000 hrs. It costs about 50 cents a bulb... but you will use about $5.00 worth of bulbs over the same time period.
If you replace a 75 watt bulb with an 18 watt CFL ( gives out same amount of light)... you will save almost 75% in energy costs! Replacing 4 bulbs in the average home will save about $30 annually on your electric bill. The average home has 25 bulbs to consider. You will also notice the CFL are cool as compared to the incandescents. This means lower heating bills as you do not have to remove the extra heat they add to your rooms. Over 90% of the energy that goes into an incandescent lamp comes out as heat.
