A healthy home is more energy efficient, more comfortable, and safer. Here are some foolproof things that anyone can do to save money and make your home safer and more energy efficient based on our experience at Better Building Works.
10. Wash your clothes in cold water.
Cost: $0. Time: 0. ROI: +$15/year.
9. Clean the dryer lint filter each load. Put a small wastebasket nearby to make this easy.
Cost: $0. Time: Negligible. ROI: up to $40/year.
8. Verify that the dryer vent is ducted properly (the shortest possible distance, without kinks or swags) and is free of obstructions. A clogged vent is a fire hazard and an energy waster.
New vent: ~$30. Time: 1 hour. ROI: Infinity.
7. Your dryer is a giant exhaust fan. Dry clothes after sunset when the electrical peak load is lower and power production is cleanest. You’ll be cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Cost: $0. Time: 0 hours. ROI: +$50/year.
6. Wrap your water heater in an insulating blanket.
Cost: ~$30. Time: 20 minutes. ROI: +$20/year.
5. Set the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees.
Cost: $0. Time: 1 minute. ROI: +10/year/degree lowered.
4. Insulate your accessible hot water pipes. Make sure the insulation is tight.
Cost: <$20. Time: 30 minutes. ROI: +$20/year.
3. Clean the coils on the back of your refrigerator.
Cost: $0. Time: 5 minutes. ROI: +$15/year.
2. Purchase Energy Star appliances.
Cost: $0 difference between Energy Star and non-Energy Star appliances. Time: 1 hour of
homework. Annual Savings: $20 and up.
1. Get an energy audit! Remember: a healthy home is no accident.
Cost: ~$500. Time: 4 hours (by others). Savings: Target 20%+ Utility Bill Reduction and
20% ROI. Try that with your 401K.
