Tips to Increase Energy Efficiency

• 1). Reduce the size of your living space. Consider subdividing larger houses to accommodate multiple households, grow your household to fill the space you have, or just close off rooms you rarely use.
  
  
• 2). Insulate, insulate, insulate! For older houses, insulate from the inside. On newer houses, you can insulate from the outside. To maximize the insulation's effectiveness, consistently apply it throughout the house. For example, a well-insulated wall is virtually useless next to an open window. Use foam board insulating sheathing instead of, or apply it on top of, the structural OSB or plywood. It works for both insulation and moisture/condensation control.
  
  
• 3). Ensure that your home is airtight. For more information, see the related eHow article on eliminating air leaks in your home.
  
  
• 4). Install quality windows (low emissivity coated, double or triple glazed with argon fill gas). Your building supply store should clearly label these. Whenever possible, reduce the size of your windows; they can represent a huge source of air loss.
  
  
• 5). Landscape. It's easy to predict the location of the sun throughout the day during each season. In tropical climates, plant trees to shade your home during the hottest hours of the day. If your winter climate is especially cold, choose deciduous trees (those that lose their leaves). They will protect your home from the summer sun, but will let the sun warm your place come winter.
  
  
• 6). Install energy-efficient appliances including water heater, furnace and air conditioner when necessary. Look for an energy-efficient label at the store. Aim for a tankless instantaneous hot water heater (EF=~0.85), a 90% condensing furnace and a 12 to 13 SEER air conditioner. For warmer climates, get a 14 or higher SEER air conditioner instead.
  
  
• 7). After handling your heating, cooling and water heating needs, address the electric loads inside your house. The refrigerator is probably the most important appliance since it's always on. You can sometimes make up the cost of the new appliance in electricity savings within a year.
  
  
• 8). Reduce your electricity use with fluorescent lighting. If you've had bad experiences with fluorescent lighting in the past, give it another chance. Compact fluorescent technology is continually improving. You must wait for fluorescent bulbs to attain full brightness, so don't judge them after you first turn them on. You might also pair fluorescents with incandescents to trim energy usage. With a flick of a switch, this duo can deliver bright light with a good spectrum.
  
  
• 9). Buy an efficient washing machine. The Energy Star horizontal-axis or front-loading washer saves both water and energy. It even rinses more detergent out of your clothes. Whichever machine you chose, make sure it carries a good Energy Star rating.
  
  
• 10
  
  Air-dry your laundry. This prolongs the life of your clothing and reduces your energy demands. In cold climates or apartments, use an indoor drying rack. Otherwise, line drying outdoors makes clothes smell fresh. Careful line drying can often reduce the need for ironing and also save you time.