Tips for Saving Energy

Your BHI report includes an evaluation for energy-efficiency. The report provides valuable ideas and specific suggestions on ways to save you money and reduce energy consumption. These ideas can help you make a difference by reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

How to Save Energy in your Home

(tips from the Oregon Department of Energy)

6 NO-COST tips :

1. Close chimney dampers when you don't have a fire.


2. Lower water heater temperature to 120 degrees F.


3. On dishwasher use only the AIR DRY or ENERGY SAVER setting.


4. Set refrigerator temperature to 38-40 degrees F.


5. Set stand-alone freezers to 0 degrees F.


6. Lower home thermostat by just 1 degree and save up to 7% of heating costs.

12 LOW-COST tips:

1. Install a high performance, water-saving showerhead. It cuts cost of showers in half, with a full spray using under 3 gallons per minute ($5 to $15 and easy to install).


2. Install water-saving faucet aerators on heavily-used sinks ($3 to $5 each).


3. Insulate water heater, even if indoors (about $10 and it quickly pays for itself).


4. Install lower watt bulbs in overhead fixtures, especially hallways and closets; then use floor & desk lamps for close-up work (task lighting).


5. Install compact fluorescent lamps in fixtures that stay on more than 2 hours a day. Fluorescent lamps cost $3 to $5 (often on sale for less). They use only 1/4 the energy of incandescent bulbs for the same brightness.


6. Install motion detectors on outdoor lighting (energy used as-needed only).


7. Replace damaged weather-stripping on doors & windows (prevents heat loss).


8. Re-caulk cracks around exterior door and window frames (prevents heat loss).


9. Install special insulation sheets underneath cover plates of exterior wall outlets and switches (prevents air infiltration) Available at hardware stores.


10. Clean or change air conditioner filters once a month, for air efficiency purposes.


11. Install a programmable thermostat to turn on heat and air conditioning to come on 30 minutes before you arrive home. Lower unoccupied and night time settings to 60 degrees. Big energy savings can return the investment in a short while.


12. Professionally tune-up your furnace and air conditioner to make sure they run as efficiently as possible.

More Tips

Oregon Certified Home Inspector #147 | CCB130023
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