Building Construction Services

Energy Tips to Save Energy & Money

EnergyUse

You could use 30% LESS energy in your home just by using energy more wisely!

Sources: Energy Star, FPL, U.S. Department of Energy

And remember…..
Wasting water wastes electricity. Why? Because the biggest use of electricity in most cities is supplying water and cleaning it up after it's been used!

Energy Saving Tips for Air Conditioning & Heating

Heating and cooling your home uses more energy and drains more energy dollars than any other system in your home.
No matter what kind of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system you have in your house, you can save money and increase your comfort by following some of the tips which can be read by selecting one of the links below.

Energy Saving Tips for Water Heating

Water heating consumes a large amount of energy in you home. By selecting one of the links below, you can read how you can save energy on water heating.

Energy Saving Tips for the Refrigerator

After air conditioning and water heating, your refrigerator is the third-largest user of energy in your home. Select a link below to read about some quick tips you can use to make your refrigerator and freezer more efficient.

Energy Saving Tips for Lighting

Energy Savings for Appliances and other tips

Energy Saving Tips for Air Conditioning & Heating

No-Cost / Low-Cost Energy Saving Tips for Air Conditioning & Heating

  • During hot months, keep the sun out with louvers or awnings on the outside of your house, or use draperies, curtains, blinds, or shades inside. In winter, let the sun in.
  • Limit heat and humidity producing tasks like cooking and laundering to early morning or late evening.
  • Do not position heat-producing appliances, such as televisions or lamps, near the thermostat. The heat they produce "fools" the thermostat and causes the unit to run longer than necessary.
  • Check the air conditioner filter each month, and clean or replace it as needed. Dirty filters block air flow through your heating and cooling systems, increasing your energy bill and shortening the equipment’s life.
  • If you have Air Conditioning window units, holes in the seal between the air conditioner and the window frame will allow cool air to escape from your home. Moisture can damage this seal so inspect it annually to see that it makes contact with the unit's metal case.
  • In summer, use fans whenever possible instead of air conditioning, and ventilate at night this way when practical. Using fans to supplement air conditioning allows you to raise the thermostat temperature. Use the ceiling fan only when you're in the room, because running the fan doesn't actually lower the temperature. The moving air increases the amount of evaporation from your skin and helps cool you off.
  • Make sure furniture does not obstruct air conditioning vents.
  • Only heat or cool the rooms you need—close vents and doors of unused rooms.
  • Dress appropriately for the weather. In winter, put an extra blanket on the bed and turn down your heater thermostat.
  • On hot days, setting the temperature at 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit will save you 6 to 8 percent of your cooling costs for each degree above 78.
  • Turn off the air conditioning or set the thermostat up a few degrees when you leave home. You can also install a programmable thermostat and it will adjust the temperature automatically for you at the different times of the day.
  • On cool days, set the thermostat as low as comfortable. 68 degrees or lower is recommended. Whenever you leave the home adjust it to level that will help to save even more energy (lower). Again, the programmable thermostat can help.
    Close all unnecessary openings such as fireplace dampers, doors and windows when you turn on any air conditioning device.
  • On spring or fall nights you could take advantage of the outside cooler air and not use your air conditioning system. Open the windows to let the fresh air in.
  • Turn off kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you are done cooking or bathing. When replacing exhaust fans, consider installing high-efficiency, low-noise models.
  • Turn off lights when not in use. Lights produce heat, which makes your air conditioning system work harder (and cost more).
  • Your computer and other home office equipment also generate heat. Turn them off when not in use.
  • On hot days, avoid using the oven and or cooking on the stove. Instead use a microwave oven, or grill outside.
  • Eliminate activities in the afternoon that require a great deal of in and out through the doors of your home. This allows cool air to escape and hot air to enter the home.

Low to Medium Cost Energy Saving Tips for Air Conditioning & Heating

  • Install rubber gaskets behind outlets and switch plates on exterior walls. Gaskets can be found in most home improvement stores.
  • Seal and weather-strip your windows and doors to ensure that you're not wasting energy on heat or air conditioning that escapes through leaks to the outdoors.
  • Duct tape works well on lots of things, but it often fails when used on ductwork! Use mastic to seal all exposed ductwork joints in areas such as the attic and crawlspace. Insulate ducts to improve your air conditioning and heating system’s efficiency and your own comfort.
  • Window films can reduce solar heat gain, thereby decreasing a home's cooling energy consumption on hot days. Many films boost window efficiency without obscuring exterior views.
  • A combination of air sealing and adding insulation to attics and crawl spaces provides tremendous energy savings and increased comfort.
  • Adding area heaters to warm just the occupied rooms in your home will enable you to keep the rest of your home at cooler, more economical temperatures. Always remember to turn off the unit when leaving the room.
  • According to the U.S. Department of Energy, carefully positioned trees can save the average household between $100 and $250 in energy cost each year. By providing shade trees on the south, the east and the west sides of the house, cooling demand can be significantly reduced. However, no plants should be placed within 24” of the foundation to prevent excess moisture from accumulating.
  • Trees can also be used to shade the air conditioner condenser which can further reduce cooling cost. Make sure that it has room to dispose of the heated air it removes from your house. Don't crowd it with shrubs or anything else.
  • The darker the color of your house, the more heat it will absorb, so if you're building, buying, or considering repainting, choose lighter colors for the exterior.

Medium to Higher Cost Energy Saving Tips for Air Conditioning & Heating

  • The easiest and most cost-effective way to insulate your home is to add insulation in the attic, especially when you put a radiant barrier or insulate the complete attic. That will put all the duct work inside the conditioned space.
  • Insulating walls can be more complex, but it can be worthwhile to do if you have little or no insulation now. You may want to consider the ENERGY STAR® Home Sealing Program—the government’s information for sealing your home: www.energystar.gov/homesealing
  • Efficient windows can lower your heating and cooling bills up to 30 percent. If your home has only single pane windows, consider replacing them with low-e coated or ENERGY STAR windows.
  • When shopping for an air conditioner, first consider what system best suits your needs - central air conditioning or room air conditioning. If you are getting a room unit, use an ENERGY STAR labeled unit. Always remember to turn off the unit when leaving the room.
  • If several rooms need to be cooled, a central system is probably the best buy. When buying a new central air conditioning unit, look for a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The current minimum is 13 SEER for central air conditioners. ENERGY STAR models are 14 SEER or more.
  • Always make sure to install the right size equipment for the home. It is essential to getting the best performance and comfort. Many homeowners believe that bigger is better when buying new heating and cooling equipment. But in reality, a system that's too large will not keep your home comfortable because of frequent 'on/off' cycling. Incorrect sizing can also put stress on system components and shorten the equipment's life. To ensure proper sizing, your contractor should provide a copy of the home's heat gain/loss calculations for your records.

Energy Saving Tips for Water Heating

WaterHeating

Average hot water use in a home (in gallons per use)

Water heating consumes a large amount of energy in your home. You will be able to save some energy following these tips:

No-Cost / Low-Cost Energy Saving Tips for Water Heating

  • Reduce the shower time.
  • Switch to cold water washing of laundry.
  • Lower the temperature on your water heater. It should be set at “warm,” so that a thermometer held under running water reads no more than 120 degrees.
  • Install low-flow showerheads and sink aerators to reduce water use. Also, repair leaky faucets!
  • Drain a quart of water from your water tank every 3 months to remove sediment that impedes heat transfer and lowers the efficiency of you tank. Follow the manufacturer’s advice.

Low to Medium Cost Energy Saving Tips for Water Heating

  • Insulate your hot water storage tank, but be careful not to cover the thermostat. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Insulate the first 6 feet of the hot and cold water pipes connected to the water heater.
  • Install heat traps on the pipes at the water heater to prevent heat loss. Some new water heaters have built-in heat traps.
  • The U.S Department of Energy states that if you install a timer that turns the water heater off when you don’t use hot water and/or during utility’s peak demand times, you can save an additional 5%-12% of energy.

Medium to Higher Cost Energy Saving Tips for Water Heating

  • Buy a new energy-efficient water hater. While it may cost more initially than a standard water heater, the energy savings will continue during the lifetime of the appliance.
  • When it’s time to replace your hot water tank, buy the most efficient one possible. Consider a tank-less, on-demand system (these won’t work for everyone, so talk to your installer).
  • If you heat water with electricity and have high electric rates, you may want to consider installing a solar water heater unit.

Energy Saving Tips for the Refrigerator

After air conditioning and water heating, your refrigerator is the third-largest user of energy in your home. Here are some quick tips to help you use your refrigerator and freezer more efficiently:

No-Cost / Low-Cost Energy Saving Tips for the Refrigerator

  • Open the refrigerator and freezer only when necessary and when opened, take all what you need, or put everything in there at one time. Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer multiple times.
  • Give your refrigerator some space. Maintaining about 2 inches of space around your refrigerator allows enough room for heat generated by the condenser coils and compressor to escape. This means your appliance will not have to work as hard to keep cool.
  • Be sure the refrigerator and freezer doors seal tightly. You can test the seal by closing the door on a piece of paper. If you’re able to remove it easily with the door closed, it’s probably time to replace the rubber gasket around the door's perimeter or adjust the door.
  • Keep the refrigerator’s cooling coils free of dust.
  • Be sure to cover food items in your refrigerator. This prevents moisture from foods from evaporating into the air and keeps your compressor from having to work overtime.
  • Keep the freezer stocked. Frozen items in the freezer help keep neighboring items frozen. You can also add containers or bags of ice if you are unable to keep your freezer full of food.
  • Don't keep your refrigerator or freezer too cold. Recommended temperatures are 37° to 40°F for the fresh food compartment of the refrigerator and 5°F for the freezer section. If you have a separate freezer for long-term storage, it should be kept at 0°F.
    Select the right size. Larger refrigerators may cost more to run.

Medium to Higher Cost Energy Saving Tips for the Refrigerator

  • Look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying a new refrigerator.
  • Select a new refrigerator that is the right size for your household. Top freezer models are more energy efficient than side-by-side models. Features like icemakers and water dispensers, while convenient, will increase energy use.

Energy Saving Tips for Lighting

No-Cost / Low-Cost Energy Saving Tips for Lighting

  • Turn off all the lights that are not in use.
  • Take advantage of daylight by using light-colored, loose-weave curtains on your windows to allow daylight to penetrate the room while preserving privacy. Also, decorate with lighter colors that reflect daylight.

Low to Medium Cost Energy Saving Tips for Lighting

  • In incandescent light bulbs, 95 percent of the energy used goes to heating the bulb, adding unwanted heat to your home in the summer. Replace your most used light bulbs with ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent bulbs or LED bulbs to save in energy costs. These light bulbs use two-thirds less energy and last up to 10 times longer. Use dimmers, timers, and motion detectors on indoor and outdoor lighting.
  • Dimmers save electricity when used to lower light levels. Be sure to select products that are compatible with CFL or LED bulbs; not all products work with CFL or LED bulbs.

Medium to Higher Cost Energy Saving Tips for Lighting

  • Consider purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures. They are available in many styles including table, desk and floor lamps — and hard-wired options for front porches, dining rooms, bathroom vanity fixtures, and more.
  • When remodeling, look for recessed down lights, or "cans", that are rated for contact with insulation (IC rated).

Energy Savings for Appliances and other tips

No-Cost / Low-Cost Energy Savings for Appliances and other tips

  • Turn off everything not in use. However, instead of just turning your electronics off, it is better to unplug them because even when they’re “off” they still draw electricity from the outlet - something known as a “phantom load.” *Caution: shutting some items off may require reprogramming.
  • Cut back on the use of your clothes dryer. Hang clothes on a clothes rack to dry and use the dryer only for towels and other heavy items.
  • Let your dishes air dry. If you don't have an automatic air-dry switch, turn off the control knob after the final rinse and prop the door open a little so the dishes will air dry.
  • Activate "sleep" features on computers and office equipment that power down when not in use for a while. Turn off equipment during longer periods of non-use to cut energy costs and improve longevity.
  • When cooking, keep the lids on pots. Better yet, use a microwave oven instead.
  • Match pan size to element size when cooking. For small pans, use a small burner and for large pans use a large burner. Using the wrong sized element will cause you to use more energy to cook than when the pan size fits the element size.
  • Use glass or ceramic pans when cooking in ovens; your can reduce the cooking temperature by 25 degrees and your food will cook just as quickly.
  • Use the garbage disposal sparingly - compost instead and save gallons of water every time.
  • Clean your dryer's filter after each use. A clean dryer filter will allow your dryer to work more efficiently. Dryer filters full of lint will cause your dryer to work harder and longer; using more energy.
  • Check your pool filtering system for debris and leaks so the filter will not have to work long and hard to clean the pool. By maintaining your pool's cleanliness, water clarity and chemical levels, you may be able to reduce your pool pump's run time and save. FPL recommends you limit the run time to six hours each day in summer and four hours each day in winter.
  • Do only full loads when using the clothes washer or dishwasher.
  • Avoid leaving transformers and charging units for appliances and battery-operated devices on (such as cell phones and tools) when they aren’t being used.
  • Plug your battery charging system or power adapter into a power strip to enable you to shut off power with the flick of a switch. For even better control, use a power strip with a timer or a programmable power strip.
  • Use the self-cleaning cycle on your oven only for major cleaning jobs, and start the cycle when the oven is already hot.
  • Plan oven cooking so that several items can be prepared at one time, at the same temperature.
  • Turn off your ceiling fan when you leave the room.

Low to Medium Cost Energy Savings for Appliances and other tips

  • Use solar-powered outdoor lights. Installing solar lighting around your home and garden is quick and easy with an added advantage-no wires or electricity costs!

Medium to Higher Cost Energy Saving Appliances and other tips

  • When buying new products, look for the ENERGY STAR® label, found on more than 40 different products. ENERGY STAR is the government’s rating program that shows you which items are more efficient than typical models. ENERGY STAR items will save you money over the product’s useful life.
  • If you have a swimming pool or hot tub, you can use solar power to cut pool heating costs. Most solar pool heating systems are cost competitive with conventional systems, and solar pool systems have very low operating costs. It's actually the most cost-effective use of solar energy.
  • You have many options for using renewable energy at home. The most common and efficient option currently in Florida is producing solar electricity at home with photovoltaic (PV) cells.