How to make your home more energy-efficient: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 21:50, 13 June 2024

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This page lists different home energy retrofits that can improve energy efficiency in standard US homes. Many people in the United States live in homes that were built in the last century. According to the EPA, homes built before the 20th century were generally more efficient.^[1] There are many ways you can save money and energy in your home.^[2]

Home energy audit[edit | edit source]

A home energy audit is a way in which you can actually look at what areas of your home you are using, and possibly losing energy. While you could always hire a professional to do this, we recommend you learn how to do this yourself and learn how to do it right.^[3] It is your home we are talking about. Here are some useful resources to get going:

Retrofits[edit | edit source]

Windows[edit | edit source]

Your windows may be one of the biggest contributing factors as to why your house is too cold in the winter and/or too hot in the summer.^[4] There are many different things to try on your windows other than just buying new ones. Individuals might find some things more cost effective than others such as thermal curtains or film on your windows.^[5]

Use these helpful tools:

Lighting[edit | edit source]

One of the simplest ways to save a copious amount of energy is switching your incandescent light bulb to LED lights.^[6]

Water[edit | edit source]

The average US homes wastes thousands of gallons of water a year.^[7]^[8] There are many things to know and ways to save, depending on your budget and how much you are willing to do.^[9]

Insulation[edit | edit source]

Insulation can be a huge help in saving the energy that you are already using but that is being lost by not insulating your home well.

Notes and references[edit | edit source]

↑ http://epa.gov/region5/sustainable/energyadvice.html
↑ Price, B., & Price, J. (1976). The Homeowner's Guide to Saving Energy. Blue Ridge Summit, Pa.: G/L Tab Books.
↑ Stephens, B., Carter, E., Gall, E., Earnest, C., Walsh, E., et al. (2011). Home energy-efficiency retrofits. Environmental Health Perspectives, 119(7), A283-a284.
↑ http://www.nfrc.org/documents/u-factor.pdf
↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Window_insulation_film
↑ https://www.treehugger.com/most-energy-efficient-led-light-bulbs-5097108
↑ http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/pubs/fixleak.html
↑ http://www.jetsongreen.com/2011/04/home-water-waste-info-graphic.html
↑ Save water, save energy. (2002). Professional Safety, 47(11), 45-45. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.humboldt.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/200389992?accountid=11532

Page data
Keywords	climate change gallery, energy
Authors	Jonathan Baer, Sam Thall
License	CC-BY-SA-3.0
Language	English (en)
Related	0 subpages, 8 pages link here
Aliases	How to make your home more energy savy, How to make your home more energy efficient, Making your home more energy efficient, Make your home more energy efficient
Impact	78 page views (more)
Created	October 9, 2012 by Jonathan Baer
Last modified	June 13, 2024 by Kathy Nativi
Cite as	Jonathan Baer, Sam Thall (2012–2024). "How to make your home more energy-efficient". Appropedia. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
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[1] ttp://epa.gov/region5/sustainable/energyadvice.html

[2] Price, B., & Price, J. (1976). The Homeowner's Guide to Saving Energy. Blue Ridge Summit, Pa.: G/L Tab Books.

[3] Stephens, B., Carter, E., Gall, E., Earnest, C., Walsh, E., et al. (2011). Home energy-efficiency retrofits. Environmental Health Perspectives, 119(7), A283-a284.

[4] ttp://www.nfrc.org/documents/u-factor.pdf

[5] ttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Window_insulation_film

[6] ttps://www.treehugger.com/most-energy-efficient-led-light-bulbs-5097108

[7] ttp://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/pubs/fixleak.html

[8] ttp://www.jetsongreen.com/2011/04/home-water-waste-info-graphic.html

[9] Save water, save energy. (2002). Professional Safety, 47(11), 45-45. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.humboldt.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/200389992?accountid=11532

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-==Introduction==
+[[File:Spring 07.PNG|thumb]]
-This page lists different home energy retrofits that can improve energy efficiency in standard US homes. Many people in the United States live in homes that were built in the last century. According to the EPA, homes built before the 20th century were generally more efficient. <ref>http://epa.gov/region5/sustainable/energyadvice.html</ref> There are many ways you can save money and energy in your home.
-''The Homeowner's Guide to Saving Energy''.<ref> Price, B. , & Price, J. (1976). Homeowner's Guide to Saving Energy. Blue Ridge Summit, Pa.: G/L Tab Books.</ref>
-==Start with a home energy Audit==
+{{Project data}}
-A home energy audit is a way in which you can actually look at what areas of your home you are using, and possibly losing energy. While you could always hire a professional to do this, we recommend you learn how to do this yourself and learn how to do it right<ref>Stephens, B. , Carter, E. , Gall, E. , Earnest, C. , Walsh, E. , et al. (2011). Home energy-efficiency retrofits. Environmental Health Perspectives, 119(7), A283-a284.</ref>. It is your home we are talking about. Here is a [http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/do-it-yourself-home-energy-audits good website] that talks about a lot of the things you should keep in mind when doing a home energy audit.
-Additional sites:
+This page lists different home energy retrofits that can improve energy efficiency in standard US homes. Many people in the United States live in homes that were built in the last century. According to the EPA, homes built before the 20th century were generally more efficient.<ref>http://epa.gov/region5/sustainable/energyadvice.html</ref> There are many ways you can save money and energy in your home.<ref>Price, B., & Price, J. (1976). ''The Homeowner's Guide to Saving Energy''. Blue Ridge Summit, Pa.: G/L Tab Books.</ref>
-*http://energy.gov/home-energy-audits
-*[[how to do an electrical energy audit]]
-*[[Observational U.S. home energy assessment]]
-*[[How to use a KillAWatt meter]]
-*[[Phantom power reducing power bars]]
-*[[Phantom power reduction (smart power bars)]]
-Also, learn the importance of [[phantom loads]]
+== Home energy audit ==
-==Retrofits==
+A home energy audit is a way in which you can actually look at what areas of your home you are using, and possibly losing energy. While you could always hire a professional to do this, we recommend you learn how to do this yourself and learn how to do it right.<ref>Stephens, B., Carter, E., Gall, E., Earnest, C., Walsh, E., et al. (2011). Home energy-efficiency retrofits. Environmental Health Perspectives, 119(7), A283-a284.</ref> It is your home we are talking about. Here are some useful resources to get going:
-===Windows===
-Your windows may be one of the biggest contributing factors as to why your house is too cold in the winter and/or too hot in the summer.<ref>http://www.nfrc.org/documents/u-factor.pdf</ref>
-There are many different things to try on your windows other than just buying new ones.
-Individuals might find some things more cost effective than others such as [[thermal curtains]] or film on your windows.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Window_insulation_film</ref>
-Use these helpful tools:
+* [https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/do-it-yourself-home-energy-assessments DIY Home Energy Assessment] (recommended)
-*[[Windows]]
+* [https://web.archive.org/web/20121017051437/http://energy.gov/home-energy-audits Home Energy Audits]
+* [[How to do an electrical energy audit]]
+* [[Observational U.S. home energy assessment]]
+* [[How to use a KillAWatt meter]]
+* [[Phantom power reducing power bars]]
+* [[Phantom power reduction (smart power bars)]]
+* [[Phantom loads]]
-*[[Smart windows]]
+== Retrofits ==
-*[[Recycled Glass and Windows]]
+=== Windows ===
-===Lighting===
+Your windows may be one of the biggest contributing factors as to why your house is too cold in the winter and/or too hot in the summer.<ref>http://www.nfrc.org/documents/u-factor.pdf</ref> There are many different things to try on your windows other than just buying new ones. Individuals might find some things more cost effective than others such as [[thermal curtains]] or film on your windows.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Window_insulation_film http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Window_insulation_film]</ref>
-One of the simplest ways to save a copious amount of energy is switching your incandescent light bulb to a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL). A 15W [[CFL]] is capable of providing just as much light as a 60W incandescent, while consuming just one fourth of the amount of energy. <ref>http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/translating-uncle-sam/stories/cfl-vs-incandescent-battle-of-the-bulb</ref>
-*[[CFL]]
+Use these helpful tools:
-*[[A Method for Cutting Bottles Light Bulbs and Fluorescent Tubes]]
-*[[Fluorescent bulbs]]
-*[[LED lighting]]
-*[[Original:Grid connection]]
-*[[CCAT energy conservation]]
-*[[Linear fluorescent retrofit (T12 to T8)]]
-*[[Skylights]]
-*[[Smart windows]]
-*[[Solar charged flashlight]]
-*[[Street lighting Analysis]]
-*[[Heliostats]]
-===Water===
+* Windows
-The average US homes wastes thousands of gallons of water a year.
+* [[Smart windows]]
-<ref>http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/pubs/fixleak.html</ref>
+* [[Recycled Glass and Windows]]
-<ref>http://www.jetsongreen.com/2011/04/home-water-waste-info-graphic.html</ref>
-There are many things to know and ways to save, depending on your budget and how much you are willing to do. <ref> Save water, save energy. (2002). Professional Safety, 47(11), 45-45. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.humboldt.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/200389992?accountid=11532 </ref>
-*[[1.6 GPM or less low-flow shower heads]]
-*[[Ultra low flush]]
-*[[Glossary_of_sustainability_terms#I|If it's yellow let it mellow]]
-*[[Composting toilets]]
-*[[Faucet Aerator]]
-===Insulation===
+=== Lighting ===
-Insulation can be a huge help in saving the energy that you are already using but that is being lost by not insulating your home well.
-*[[House insulation]]
+One of the simplest ways to save a copious amount of energy is switching your incandescent light bulb to LED lights.<ref>https://www.treehugger.com/most-energy-efficient-led-light-bulbs-5097108</ref>
-*[[Thermal insulation]]
+* [[CFL]]
+* [[A Method for Cutting Bottles Light Bulbs and Fluorescent Tubes]]
+* [[Fluorescent bulbs]]
+* [[LED lighting]]
+* [[Grid connection]]
+* [[CCAT energy conservation]]
+* [[Linear fluorescent retrofit (T12 to T8)]]
+* Skylights
+* [[Smart windows]]
+* [[Solar charged flashlight]]
+* [[Street lighting Analysis]]
+* [[Heliostats]]
-*[[Building Insulation ECM]]
+=== Water ===
-*[[US natural insulation comparison]]
+The average US homes wastes thousands of gallons of water a year.<ref>http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/pubs/fixleak.html</ref><ref>http://www.jetsongreen.com/2011/04/home-water-waste-info-graphic.html</ref> There are many things to know and ways to save, depending on your budget and how much you are willing to do.<ref>Save water, save energy. (2002). Professional Safety, 47(11), 45-45. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.humboldt.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/200389992?accountid=11532</ref>
-*[[Cotton insulation]]
+* [[1.6 GPM or less low-flow shower heads]]
+* Ultra low flush
+* [[Glossary of sustainability terms#I|If it's yellow let it mellow]]
+* [[Composting toilets]]
+* [[Faucet Aerator]]
-*[[Natural wool insulation]]
+=== Insulation ===
-*[[VOCs in fiberglass insulation]]
+Insulation can be a huge help in saving the energy that you are already using but that is being lost by not insulating your home well.
-*[[Cellulose insulation]]
-*[[Ceiling insulation out of recycled Tetra pack at Pedregal]]
-*[[Samoa Hostel Insulation Station]]
+* [[House insulation]]
+* [[Thermal insulation]]
+* [[Building Insulation ECM]]
+* [[US natural insulation comparison]]
+* [[Cotton insulation]]
+* [[Natural wool insulation]]
+* [[VOCs in fiberglass insulation]]
+* [[Cellulose insulation]]
+* [[Ceiling insulation out of recycled Tetra pack at Pedregal]]
+* [[Samoa Hostel Insulation Station]]
 == See also ==
-* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_audit
+* [[Wikipedia:Energy audit]]
+* [https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704575304575296243891721972 The Secret to Turning Consumers Green] - Interesting article from the Wall Street Journal
-* This article from the wall street journal has some interesting things to say. <ref>http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704575304575296243891721972.html</ref>
+== Notes and references ==
-* Check out this interesting book as well. <ref>http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/pdfs/energy_savers.pdf</ref>
+<references />
-== Notes and references ==
+{{Page data
-{{Reflist}}
+| keywords = Climate change gallery, Energy
+}}
-[[Category: Engr308 Technology and the Environment]]
+[[Category:Engr308 Technology and the Environment]]
-[[Category: Energy audit]]
+[[Category:Energy audit]]
+[[Category:Energy]]