Spray foam seals gaps around pipes to prevent air from traveling through those spaces, causing drafts and wasting energy.
Photo by Mark Gilliland, Pioneer Utility Resources
Saving energy doesn't have to be expensive or time consuming. You don't need to spend thousands of dollars or get the newest technology. Here are some low- and no-cost ways to save energy around your home and help you rack up savings on your power bill month by month.
Here's a gimme: Adjusting the thermostat is an easy way to save. I often hear people say, "I didn't change anything, and my bill is higher." Well, on the hottest and coldest days, your heating and cooling equipment must work much harder than usual, and use more energy, to maintain the same temperature. Nudge the thermostat a few degrees closer to the outside temperature, especially on extreme weather days.
Next, fix any hot water leaks or dripping faucets. Those tiny drips can add up to a big waste of energy, not to mention water waste. If you need to hire a pro to fix it, turn the shutoff valve under the sink to stop the leak until you can get it fixed.
Wash clothes in cold water to avoid using energy to heat it. Washing on hot or warm settings can add up, especially if you have a top-load or older washing machine that uses more water.
And while we're on the topic of hot water, adjusting the temperature of your water heater can save energy and money, too. The optimal setting for most households is 120 degrees, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Air sealing is a beginner-friendly DIY project that improves comfort and reduces energy waste. For around $20 and a couple of hours of time, you can fill gaps, cracks and holes to prevent air from leaking in and out of the home. From the inside of the home, seal trim around windows and exterior doors with caulk, about $4 per tube.
A can of spray foam is about $5 and seals gaps around plumbing lines. It's great for pipes under sinks and in the crawlspace or basement. Air sealing these areas earns you bonus points for stopping insects and rodents from using the gaps to enter your home.
Spray foam is messy and nearly impossible to remove from whatever it touches, so wear disposable gloves and clothes you don't mind getting dirty, and use drop cloths to protect finished floors. Be careful if you're working with spray foam overhead. If you get it in your hair, it's not coming out with anything other than a haircut. Move any items and clean surfaces of dust and debris in areas you intend to seal before cracking open a can. Put the can in a cardboard box to carry throughout the house so you don't leave a trail of spray foam.
Lastly, for just $10 to $15, you can buy weather stripping to improve the seal on exterior doors. If you can see light around doors or feel a draft between the door and the door jamb when the door is closed, weather stripping will help.
Try these easy, low- and no-cost improvements to reduce energy waste and improve comfort in your home.
Miranda Boutelle writes on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing nearly 900 electric co-ops.