Energy Saving Tips for Your Home

Lighting

The wattage rating tells how much electricity a bulb uses, not how bright it is. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are a bright idea. They use less electricity and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Standard incandescent bulbs use only 5 to 8 percent of their energy to produce light. The rest is dissipated as heat. There are many other devices that can help save energy on lighting such as automatic timers, motion sensors and dimmers.

Don’t forget to clean light fixtures regularly to prevent dust accumulation and allow maximum light productivity.

Another way to save energy is by placing lamps where light can reflect off at least two walls, such as in a corner, thus providing the most light for your money.

Plumbing

Installing a water-saver flush kit in your toilet can save you thousands of liters of water per year. Replacing large-volume toilets with 6-litre-per-flush models saves at least 70 percent of the water used.

An energy-efficient shower head or flow controller saves energy without affecting water pressure. A low-flow shower head saves as much as 60 percent of the water used by a conventional fixture. Dripping taps can waste 9000 liters of hot water each year. Replace leaky washers and save the hot water for when you really need it!

Landscaping

Trees and shrubs in your yard shield your home from road noise and prevailing winds. Deciduous trees lower your energy bill all year, providing shade in summer and sunshine in winter.

A trellis adorned with vines or climbing perennials cools ground-floor windows fronting west. Low-growing evergreen plants planted beside basement walls help keep warmth in and winter winds out.

Flower gardens with tall plants help retain moisture in the ground. With larger gardens you spend less energy on watering and mowing your lawn.

Caulking

The price of improving the airtightness of your home through caulking is low compared with the subsequent fuel savings and increased comfort.

It is wise not to caulk in an area where the temperature is below 5°C (40°F), as the compound will become stiff and difficult to work.

Caulking should be used for its intended purpose only. For example, an exterior sealant can be a health hazard if used indoors.

To make sure caulking sticks well, clean the surface area thoroughly first and allow it to dry before you caulk. When improving your home's airtightness, take into account the effect on ventilation.

Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping stops air from leaking through gaps around doors and the moving parts of an operable window. It should be easy to replace. To be effective, it must close gaps completely.

When weatherstripping your door, use a durable material that can withstand traffic but is flexible enough to adapt to changes caused by humidity and temperature.

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