Energy efficiency (EE) saves money, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, nonrenewable resource demands and environmental impacts – while ensuring reliable electricity supplies.
NRDC has long championed energy efficiency standards at both state and federal levels, worked alongside cities to curb waste in larger buildings, and supported residents’ efforts towards becoming more energy-efficient homes. We do so because saving energy saves money, helps protect the climate, and enhances lives.
1. Replace Your Appliances
Replace energy efficient models when they reach their end of life to make a wise investment and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These energy saving appliances use less electricity, lowering bills and helping protect the planet.
Opt for products with an Energy Star certification rating. This certification program administered by the United States government gives details about their energy-efficiency.
Energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective strategies to combat climate change, reduce waste in homes and businesses, purify our air supply, meet family budgets, and make life more comfortable indoors. Improved energy efficiency also leads to lower utility bills and more comfortable indoor environments.
2. Install Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are an energy-saving solution that homeowners can take advantage of to lower energy costs, but it is crucial that the system be appropriately sized to meet heating needs – too large will waste energy, while too small won’t work at all.
Consider upgrading insulation and air seal to reduce the strain on your heat pump, and maximize zonal cooling by blocking heat flow between rooms or shading windows to increase energy efficiency. Furthermore, taking into account humidity levels and furniture layout may also assist.
3. Unplug Devices
Unplugging electronics when they’re not being used can save energy and money while lowering fire risks, prolonging lifespan and improving safety. If it’s hard for you to remember to switch them off manually, try smart power strips which automatically switch them off when devices are no longer being used.
Keep appliances unplugged to reduce electricity waste! Devices still plugged in draw small amounts of power – known as “phantom power,” even when switched off – which adds up over time and could reach thousands of kilowatt-hours annually, making it important to get into the habit of unplugging chargers, lamps, and other easily reachable devices regularly.
4. Install Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are an efficient energy saving method during the winter season by moving warm air near the ceiling downward to walls and the floor, enabling homeowners to raise their thermostat settings by 4 degrees without experiencing discomfort or compromising comfort.
Consider selecting an ENERGY STAR(r) certified ceiling fan with reversible blades and dual motor designs for optimal performance and energy efficiency. They feature higher CFM/watt ratings as well as more energy-efficient direct current (DC) motors than conventional units.
To successfully install your new fan, it’s important to follow the instructions in your installation guide carefully. Familiarize yourself with the wiring in your ceiling by identifying hot and neutral wires; trim any bare sections off wires before connecting them using wire nuts to ensure safety.
5. Solar Panels
Capturing solar energy through a residential solar power system is an excellent way to lower electricity costs. Some states even provide home energy audits which help identify opportunities to save more energy.
Solar panels consist of silicon semiconductors that convert sunlight into clean and renewable electricity. When photons hit these semiconductors, photons knock electrons loose from their atoms causing electrons to flow along conductors on either side of the cell cell to create electricity.
Efficiency of solar panels depends on various factors. One such variable is temperature; polycrystalline panels have lower efficiency in hot weather than monocrystalline ones.
6. LED Lights
Lighting upgrades are among the easiest and least-expensive energy efficiency improvements a homeowner can make, with LED bulbs typically cutting electricity consumption by 85-88% on average and saving significant money over their lifespan.
Effective lighting not only saves costs but can also significantly enhance visibility in workspaces, hallways and stairways, helping reduce accidents and enhance safety. Furthermore, efficient lighting creates an environment conducive to productivity by minimizing distractions and providing adequate illumination levels throughout the day – something especially essential in schools where proper lighting conditions have proven instrumental in positively affecting student outcomes.
7. Smart Power Strips
Many electronic devices continue to draw energy even after being turned off, known as Vampire Power, costing the average household $200 annually in energy bills.
Energy-saving smart strips help combat Vampire Power by preventing electronics from draining power when not being used, providing timers, remote scheduling capabilities and integration with smart home systems for user control of devices from their phone or voice assistant.
The smart power strip pictured above features energy usage sensors and an infrared (IR) motion sensor to automatically shut off when no movement has been detected for an extended period. Hawaii Energy customers who sign up for Energy Smart 4 Homes program can get these smart power strips free.