energy efficient existing homes: conservation benefits

July 30, 2019July 30, 2019

Thermostat Settings for Conservation and $$ Savings in Home Energy

Reviewed and Revised on 11/12/2013

Nest thermostat

Closely managing your thermostat is an easy way to increase your energy and $$ savings.

In the summer, set the thermostat as high as you can while still maintaining comfort.
In the winter, set the thermostat as low as you can while still maintaining comfort.
If you have central air conditioning and heating, keep the fan switch on “auto.” The exception is for multistory homes where temperature stratification is a problem between the upper and

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July 30, 2019July 30, 2019

No to Low Cost Actions to Save Home Energy and Money

Reviewed and Revised 01/03/2014

Simple tips designed to help you save energy in your home with little or no out-of-pocket costs.

Heating

Set thermostats no higher than 68 ºF when people are home.

Lower the thermostat when you sleep or not at home. Lowering the thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees for 8 hrs can help you save 5-15% annually on your heating bill. Energy.gov website states that if the setback period is 8 hrs or longer than

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July 30, 2019July 30, 2019

Phantom/Standby Energy Use by Home Electronics and Appliances

Reviewed and Revised on 11/04/2013

Consumer electronics and appliances amount to about 15% of a home’s utility usage. Did you know these modern conveniences can cost you a lot of money even when they are turned off, but still plugged in?

Today an average American home is brimming with consumer electronics and appliances- televisions, DVD players, stereos, kitchen gadgets, etc. Most of the times these appliances stay plugged in, and are just turned off (but not unplugged) when not in …