10 Ways to Increase Home Energy Efficiency

In her State of the State address, Governor Kathleen Sebelius set the goal of reducing the State’s energy consumption 5% by 2010 and 10% by 2020. We can help meet this goal by making our homes more energy efficient. Below are actions that will help conserve energy and save money.

1. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
2. When not in use, turn off lights and computers and unplug small appliances and chargers. If possible, use appliances and electronics with the Energy Guide or ENERGY STAR label to ensure maximum energy efficiency.
3. Heating and cooling account for about 56% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense. Consider upgrading your heating and air conditioning system with a more efficient unit. The Kansas Energy Efficiency Program (KEEP) provides low interest loans to qualified Kansas homeowners to make improvements to their homes to increase energy efficiency. The program is for persons who have income at or below 120 percent of the state median income (contact Kansas Housing Resources Corporation for more information).
4. Change furnace and air conditioning filters monthly and have your furnace cleaned and tuned annually. Clogged filters lower the efficiency and safety of your heating and A/C systems.
5. Set your thermostat a few degrees cooler in the winter time and warmer in the summer time. At night and when away from home, set thermostat even cooler in winter and warmer in summer. Consider purchasing a programmable thermostat to make this automatic.
6. Install storm windows over single-paned windows. Make sure all storm windows are properly closed when cold or hot weather arrives. Also consider installing storm doors and high efficiency doors and windows.
7. Install low-cost weather stripping or caulking around windows, doors, and other drafty places and ask at your local hardware store for other simple and low-cost ways to weatherize your home. If possible, install double-paned or other energy efficient windows, as well as properly-sized and thicker doors.
8. Plant deciduous trees and shrubs to shade your windows during the summer and let sunlight in during the winter. Keeping mini-blinds and curtains closed during summer days and open during winter days can also help reduce heating and cooling costs.
9. Lower the thermostat set point on your water heater to about 120 degrees. You can check your water temperature by carefully placing the back of your hand under a steady stream of hot water—if you can’t keep your hand there, your water is too hot.
10. Reduce hot water use by washing clothes in cold water and repairing leaky faucets. Low-flow shower heads also reduce water and energy use.