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Whether for environmental or monetary reasons, everyone wants to save energy in their home. We’re exploring some simple ways to make your home more energy efficient from heating and cooling to insulation and lighting.


Heating & Cooling

To reduce the energy used for heating and cooling your home:

  • Close curtains in the summer to keep out heat, and open curtains during in day in the winter to let in sunlight.
  • Run paddle ceiling fans counterclockwise in the summer for cooling when the room is occupied, and clockwise on low in the winter to circulate the warm air near the ceiling.
  • Change the air filter on your heating and cooling system (HVAC) regularly to allow it to run more efficiently.
  • Check the ductwork on your HVAC system for air leaks, and fix any that you find.
  • Keep shrubs cut back around your outside HVAC unit, and use a garden hose to rinse it off from time to time.
  • Install a programmable thermostat to turn the heat or air conditioning up or down when you’re not home.
  • When buying a new air conditioning unit for your home, choose one with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating, so it will be more energy efficient.

Read also: Tips for Selecting Insulating Windows


Attic Insulation

To reduce heating and cooling costs, make sure you have plenty of attic insulation. The R-value expresses the effectiveness of insulation:

  • Attics in warm climates should have at least an R-38, or about 12” of fiberglass insulation.
  • Houses in colder climates need a minimum of an R-49, or approximately 16” of insulation.

When adding additional insulation to your attic, use unfaced insulation, and wear:

  • Goggles for eye protection
  • An approved dust mask or respirator
  • Long pants and long sleeved shirt
  • Protective gloves
  • Apply baby powder to exposed skin to reduce irritation

To insulate an attic stair opening, build a foam box in the attic around the opening, or install a premade cover like the Owens Corning Attic Stair Insulator, available at The Home Depot, or the Attic Tent.


Attic Ventilation

Make sure you have proper attic ventilation to keep your attic cooler in the summer and reduce condensation in the winter.

When venting your attic, be sure you have:

  • Soffit vents under the eaves to let outside air in. It might help you to learn how to properly add Soffit vents.
  • Gable or ridge vents near the peak of the roof to expel hot air.
  • If you need additional attic ventilation, install an attic vent fan high up in the attic below the peak of the roof.

Hot Water Heaters

To reduce your hot water heating costs:

  • Turn the hot water heater thermostat down to 120° F.
  • Insulate hot water pipes with foam insulation.
  • Drain hot water heaters once a year to remove sediment in the tank.
  • Install a hot water heater timer which can be scheduled to turn the water heater on and off.

Hot water heaters typically last about 10-15 years. When replacing your hot water heater, consider an energy efficient type, such as an:


Energy Efficient Lighting

To save energy on lighting your home:

  • Turn off lights when not in use.
  • Use natural light from windows and skylights.
  • Position mirrors on walls opposite windows to reflect natural light.
  • Replace incandescent light bulbs with CFL or LED bulbs.

Energy Efficient Windows

To make older single-pane windows more energy efficient, consider installing storm windows over the outside of your existing windows.

For more ideas on how to make your older windows more energy-efficient, it would be helpful to watch our video that provides guidance on boosting window energy efficiency.

If your budget allows, replace windows with energy-efficient, insulated glass windows, such as those from JELD-WEN Windows & Doors, to make a big difference on your energy bills.

You can also reduce your energy bill by caulking cracks and gaps around the outside of your house. When caulking cracks on the outside of your home:

  • Use an exterior caulk that’s mildew-resistant.
  • Make sure the caulk is paintable, if you plan to paint over it.
  • Cut the caulking tube at a 45° angle with a small opening.
  • Use expandable foam to fill large cracks and gaps.

Read more: Energy-efficiency Facts and Statistics for Homeowners


Other Tips from This Episode

Simple Solutions with Joe Truini: Dishwasher Tips

To save energy and water with your dishwasher, read the manual carefully to make sure you’re loading and using the dishwasher properly. Scrape dishes, rather than rinsing, to save water. Turn off the heated drying cycle to save energy.

Best New Products with Jodi Marks: Owens Corning EcoTouch Insulation

Owens Corning EcoTouch fiberglass insulation is formaldehyde-free and made from 50% recycled materials. In addition, it’s softer to the touch for less skin irritation. Owens Corning Eco-Touch insulation is available at The Home Depot in batts and rolls.

Ask Danny Lipford: Reducing Sunlight from Windows

To reduce the heat and UV rays from sunlight through windows and glass doors, apply window film to single-pane windows or glass doors. You can read our guide to learn the steps for glass door window filming. When buying new windows for your home, make sure the glass comes with a clear Low-E coating to block heat and UV rays.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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