homeenergyliving.com

Mother Earth News recently listed 8 Easy Projects for Instant Energy Savings. The author lists 8 projects that cost $400 to implement that generate an estimated annual savings of over $900. Below is a list of the projects and my thoughts.

1. Reduce power consumption of personal computers. The author plugged all of his computer equipment into a power strip and then turned the power strip off when the computer was not in use. This eliminates phantom power usage by computers and their peripherals. Phantom power loads occur when equipment that is supposedly turned off actually consumes power while it is in “standby” mode. As I type this I can see 5 green and red lights shining back at me from equipment that is turned “off”. The author also used power saving features on the computers to reduce power consumption during the day when the computer was on, but not in use. Conclusion: This is a cheap and simple project to implement. I have yet to do this project, but after seeing the difference it made in the author’s energy usage, I’ll get it done very soon.
2. Install Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Throughout the House. This is something we did when we moved into our house last year. Conclusion: No brainer. Everyone should do this tomorrow.
3. Seal and Insulate Heating Ducts. The author lives in an older home where the ductwork was not sealed at the joints properly. Use duct mastic (not duct tape) when sealing your ducts. Duct mastic will form a more permanent seal on the ductwork. Conclusion: This is a good project for a do-it-yourselfer. It doesn’t cost much (less than $20), and a few hours on the weekend will get the job done.
4. Seal Your Home’s Air Leaks. Using a few tubes of caulking and some spray foam insulation (like Great Stuff foam sealant), the author sealed the air leaks in his home to prevent conditioned air from escaping the home. Conclusion: Also a great DIY project. Cost is minimal and the payback is very quick, especially in the comfort level of the rooms that were sealed.
5. Vent Dryer Inside During Winter. I have considered this myself, but I always worry about adding too much humidity to the air. Lint could also be a problem. The author solved this by using a lint filter. Conclusion: I may experiment with this next winter. It could be a cheap way to keep heat in the house.
6. Insulate Windows with Bubble Wrap. OK, this is where the author loses me. He actually covered his windows with bubble wrap to insulate against cold air during the winter. Personally, I think this is nuts. I can’t imagine living all winter with bubble wrap covering my windows. Conclusion: I’ll skip this one. Under extreme circumstances I might consider it, but only if my windows were so energy in-efficient that I had no other choice.
7. Eliminate Phantom Electrical Loads. Essentially the same as #1, above; the author eliminated other phantom loads around his house to save energy.
8. Use Electric Mattress Pads. The author used electric mattress pads during the winter so that he could keep the temperature in the rest of the house cooler. The electricity usage on the mattress pad is minimal, more than offset by the savings in heating costs. Conclusion: While not a good option for me, this is a method I have used in the past. Our current home was designed to maintain a constant temperature throughout the day. It would actually cost more to heat the house up in the morning than I would save by lowering the temperature at night.

Outside of the crazy bubble wrap idea, I like all of the ideas the author utilized. I encourage everyone to take little steps like this to reduce energy consumption. The payback time is short and the investment is minimal.

Filed under: Small Changes