Reduce Your Energy Bills

 

Here are some of the effective do-it-yourself tasks to reduce your home’s energy and water use.  Some can make your home more comfy in summer and winter.

If you’re organizing an energy-upgrade party, you can use these for team leader directions.

Electrical Efficiency:

Heating Efficiency:

Water Efficiency:

Reducing Drafts (aka "air-sealing"):

Door Weatherization:

Window Weatherization:

 

Here's a slideshow showing some of the most effective energy efficiency tasks in a home to reduce energy use. They range from the easiest, to the more skilled. Don't

Buying Materials:

For those in the Boston area (and for mail orders), we recommend two sources that specialize in energy efficiency supplies:

Boston Building Resources (BBMC).  They have a lot of recycled materials and are experts in energy efficiency.

Energy Federation Inc. (E.F.I.) – They are experts in energy efficiency, will give great advice and have many fun gadgets.  They deliver generally the next day to your door. 
 

What to Prioritize:

Michael Blasnik, a residential energy efficiency wonk extraordinaire, has looked at more energy bills than anyone else in the country.  Memorize his powerpoint (it’s edited down from the full version).   His results are intended for the Boston area and in our experience are eerily accurate in the predicted energy savings.
 

Further Reading:

EPA’s Energy Star site

Energy Star air sealing guide

Affordable Comfort Inc.(National & regional conferences for efficiency contractors, researchers, and  policymakers. many handouts from conferences available free)

Home Energy Magazine

Look up your refrigerator’s rated usage at HomeEnergy

ACEEE (American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy - technical resource and advocacy group)

Advanced Energy

Building Science Corporation
 

Great books on weatherizing homes:

Insulate and Weatherize by Bruce Harley

Cut Your Energy Bills Now by Bruce Harley