Photo: Getty Images
A more energy-efficient home saves money and is better for the environment. Power expenses go up as temperatures go down, making now the perfect time to invest in energy-saving upgrades.
Plus, you can check the Duquesne Light Co. rebate center to apply for all sorts of rebates. Plus, you can see if you qualify for a whole-house audit and up to $250 in rebates on recommended installations to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
In the meantime, these power-saving tips and easy upgrades from the pros at Duquesne Light Co. will make your home more energy-efficient, reducing its carbon footprint and your energy bills.
Lighting Upgrades
LED Bulbs & Lumens
Change your incandescent bulbs and compact fluorescent bulbs to (LED) Bulbs. They provide equivalent light while using less energy. This is one of the easiest, least expensive changes you can make to your home today.
Lumens indicate the brightness of a bulb, while wattage simply tells you how much power is necessary to make the bulb work. To save energy, choose the greatest number of lumens and the lowest wattage level.
Dimmers & Timers
Dimmers allow you to control the amount of light you need in a room. They also help you extend bulb life and cut down on energy use. When using an LED bulb on a dimmer switch, you must buy a bulb that’s specifically made to work with dimmers.
Put indoor and outdoor lighting on timers. You can set them to turn lights on when needed and off when they’re not. Timers can also help give your home that “lived-in” appearance when you’re not there.
Motion Detectors
Instead of reaching for light switches in dark rooms, install a motion detector that will turn lights on whenever you walk in. Motion detectors can be easily installed in place of most switches and help cut energy costs by turning lights on only when needed. Motion detectors also are excellent for use with outdoor lighting because they turn on flood or decorative fixtures automatically, only when they detect motion near your home.
Water Heating
Your water heater can be a big power user. These upgrades will cut back on your energy consumption.
Improve Your Current Older Water Heater
Turn down the temperature of your tank to 120° or 140° if you have a dishwasher. You can also install flow restrictors on showerheads and faucets to slow the flow. Restrictors are easy to install, and they use one-third to one-half the water that regular showerheads use.
Insulate the pipes leaving your hot water tank to keep the heat in your hot water. A blanket of insulation around your heater keeps hot water hot by trapping heat in your tank. To be safe, remember to leave openings around electrical connections, thermostats, heating elements, and drain valves. Insulation is not needed on newer models.
Regular maintenance of your heater and pipes will keep your home running efficiently. Check for leaks around your heater, pipes, and faucets. Rust or strange noises can also be indicators of issues. If you schedule professionals to come in for annual maintenance, they can quickly inspect your equipment and take care of any minor issues.
Make Heating & Cooling More Efficient
When the cold winds begin to blow, keep your home and your heating bills in the comfort range with these upgrades.
Insulation
By adding insulation, your home will be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Ensure your home has a minimum of R-30 to R-38 with a depth of 8-10 inches of insulation in ceilings or attics. Also, take time to insulate ductwork that runs through unheated areas like crawl spaces or garages.
Ceiling Fans
Heat rises to the ceiling of a room. Keep it down where you are by installing a ceiling fan. In warmer weather, the air circulation feels cool on your skin, so you don’t need to turn the temperature down as low.
Window and Door Upgrades
Old windows and doors can let an amazing amount of heat escape from your house. Seal out the drafts with storm doors and windows. Replace any missing caulking. Adding heavy curtains and door draft stoppers can effectively keep some of the heat in. Adding shading to reduce the amount of direct sunlight coming in during the summer can also help.
You may want to consider installing new doors or windows, too. Newer doors and windows, such as double-pane, can be up to 30% more efficient.
Photo: Getty Images
Thermostat Upgrades
To start with, put your thermostat in the right place. Drafts created by appliances or heat from lighting fixtures can force your thermostat to malfunction. Installing a smart thermometer can save a ton of money by making adjustments based on the time of day or whether someone is home. Some models can even send sensors into other parts of your home to gauge the temperature in those rooms.
Upgrade to New Energy Efficient Models
If it’s time for a new water heater, look for a heat pump water heater. New models can lead to lifetime savings of thousands of dollars. Tankless water heaters are another energy-saving option with a higher upfront cost, but more significant savings in the long run.
Energy Star washing machines and dryers can use up to 33% less energy and 50% less water with each use. Some models of new refrigerators have power-saving modes and are overall much more efficient than older ones. Windows have energy savings ratings as well. Even Energy Star ceiling fans can save energy up to 20%.
Find out about Duquesne Light Company’s rebate program at dlcenergyrebates.com.
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