The Energy Source

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5 Energy-Saving Tips You Haven't Heard

Thu, 01/21/2016 - 16:20

Think you know all the tricks to keep energy use low? We’ve got some lesser-known tips for you energy-saving savants out there. Remember, every little bit helps!

  • Home with porch lighting on.

    1. Use Motion Sensors

    Reducing usage of any light source can result in significant savings, especially the outdoor post or porch lamp, which is one of the highest used light fixtures in a home. The average daily exterior lighting usage is 5 hours per day. Installing motion sensors will reduce energy usage by automatically turning off the porch lights during hours of inactivity.   

    Learn more here.

  • A woman reading by the fireplace.

    2. Close Your Fireplace Damper

    Be sure to close your fireplace damper when not in use. Even if there is no fire in the fireplace, there will still be a draft up the chimney so long as there is a difference in temperature between indoors and out. This draft pulls air from your home up the chimney (air that you have paid to heat!). Closing the chimney damper will keep the warm air in the living space where it belongs.

    Learn more here.

  • A man is wrapping a water heater in an insulating jacket.

    3. Add Insulating Jacket on Older Water Heaters

    If you have an electric water heater, wrap it in an insulating jacket. Increased insulation slows heat loss that typically occurs from older hot water heaters. Even if your water heater is in a heated part of your home, energy loss through the walls of your water heater can be significant. Plus, there are many affordable insulating jacket options! [Note: Older gas water heaters can be wrapped as well, but extreme care must be taken to avoid touching hot vents or blocking air inlets, and sagging of the jacket over time].

    Learn more here.

  • Wide angle view of a garage with the door leading into the house.

    4. Install a Door Sweep

    As you may already know, door sweeps, or weather stops, seal the gap between the bottom of the door and threshold, preventing cold air from coming in and warm air from escaping. A common place where air leaks occur is under the door leading to the garage, which is often not as well sealed as the doors leading directly to the outside.  

    Learn more here.

  • Ceiling fan.

    5. Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction in Winter

    In the winter, reverse the direction of the ceiling fan and operate it at a low speed. This will create a mild updraft that will redistribute the rising warm air that tends to collect near the ceiling down into the living space.  

    Learn more here.

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