By being proactive and planning ahead you will be able to save quite a bit on your heating expenses. Naturally you want to start with your furnace or other heating source. Insure that it is both safe and functional.

Before the temperatures drop you should check all ductwork and registers. It is important that the registers are clean and unobstructed in order to allow for a clear airflow. A clean filter is also a vital component when your goal is efficiency and maximum airflow.

Be sure to check out your thermostat. It should be in a location that does not receive drafts and it should not be near a heat source. Programmable thermostats allow you to automate lowering the temperature at night while you sleep and when you are away at work.

By lowering the setting by one degree you can realize a savings of up to three percent in your energy costs.

The last step in your thermostat preparation is that of testing the system for even distribution of heat. Turn on the heat for a few hours and walk through your home.

If you find hot spots or cold spots you will need to adjust both the thermostat as well as the venting on the registers. You should decrease the airflow in the hot spots and increase it in the cold spots.

Another suggestion is to simply close of registers and doors to any unused rooms in your home. Since heat rises it is a good idea to have ceiling fans that can push that heat back down into the livable area of the rooms.

Check around doors and windows for drafts. You may need to use a fan to be more precise in this check. Add weather-stripping where needed around doors and caulk around windows. If you now have screens in your windows you will probably want to switch them out for glass replacements. Storm doors and windows can decrease heat loss while helping to retain existing heat.

Close curtains or drapes at night. That will help to cut the heat loss through your windows. I also suggest that you use rolled towels to place at the bottom of doors.

Check around any light switches or outlets on walls that are on the perimeter of your home. If you can feel airflow you will need to tend to that problem. A quick and free fix is to cut a piece of Styrofoam (from a piece that you get from meat packaging) to fit the area. Cut out any sections needed and use that to cover the area. Then simply replace your cover.

Set your hot water temperature to 120 degrees. If you have a dishwasher you may want to set it at 140 degrees.

Insulation can make a big difference in the energy needed to heat a home. A minimum of R-30 insulation in ceilings or attics is recommended.

Ovens use a lot of energy so use yours wisely. Although recipes almost always advise pre-heating an oven it usually is not really necessary. If you pre-heat at all only allow a few minutes to pass before you add your dish to the oven.

Keep the oven door closed during your cook time in order to conserve the heat. And cook more than one dish at a time. When you are finished with the oven leave the door slightly ajar in order to allow that heat to escape into your home. Slow cookers can be wonderful alternatives to oven use as can a microwave. Both appliances use much less energy than ovens.

From the Manufacturer

A Honeywell programmable thermostat can save you up to 33 percent off your energy bill. You set it up to adjust the temperature when you are away or asleep–times when you don’t necessarily need to heat or cool your home to optimum comfort–and your heating and cooling equipment runs less. This stylish thermostat offers easy pre-programmed set up.

Digital Heat/Cool Thermostat, 5/2 Programming With 4 Periods Per Day, For Use With Central Gas (more…)

From the Manufacturer

A Honeywell programmable thermostat can save you up to 33% off your energy bill. You set it up to adjust the temperature when you are away or asleep–times when you don’t necessarily need to heat or cool your home to optimum comfort–and your heating and cooling equipment runs less. The RTH2310B thermostat’s blue backlight is easy to read, even in dimly lit hallways and rooms. The early start function on this thermostat begins the heating/cooling of your hom (more…)

gogi berries

Energy Efficient Lighting

Replacing your incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient lights such as Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs is one of the easiest ways to start saving money. EnergyStar-rated CFLs in particular will save you money because they use 75% less energy and last 6 to 12 times longer than traditional bulbs. In fact, replacing your 5 most frequently used bulbs with EnergyStar-rated CFLs can save you more than $65 a year in energy costs; or $50 per lifespan of a CFL bulb (calculation based on 15-watt CFL, 10,000-hour lifespan, and $0.0898 per kWh).

Better still, did you know that if every US household makes its next lightbulb an Energy Star-rated CFL, we will save more than $800 million on our national energy bill and 8.4 billion kWh of energy (that’s enough to power over 808,000 homes for one year – about the number of homes in Boston, Denver, and San Francisco combined)! In pollution terms, it is like removing the pollution of 1.2 million cars for one year!

Cost:

Approximately $2.50 to $5 per bulb

Payback:

Around 3 to 7.5 months, depending on usage and your electric rate (cost per kWh)

Savings:

Provided ALL household light fixtures are energy-efficient: per year = $117; 10-year savings = $1861*

Low Flow Fixtures

Low flow fixtures such as low flow faucets aerators and low flow showerheads save you water, energy and money by limiting the volume of water that flow through them. As such, by switching from standard showerheads (2.5 gpm) to low flow showerheads (1.0 gpm to 1.5 gpm), you can easily save 7,300 gallons of water (approximately 10% to 60% off your current consumption); in terms of combined water and energy savings, that equals to about $91 for natural gas and $143 for electric (calculation based on 4-person family using 1.5 gpm showerhead, FEMP/DOE data, and average water rate of $4/1000 gallons).

Cost:

Approximately: low flow faucet aerator = $1 to $3.50; low flow showerhead = $10 to $68

Payback:

For aerators, immediate; for showerheads, 2+ months, depending on the gpm

Savings:

Niagara Conservation 1.5 gpm 2915CH low flow showerhead, for example:
• Electric Water Heat = 949 kWh + 7,300 gal H2O = $143 (per year)
• Gas Water Heat = 52 therms + 7,300 gal H2O = $91 (per year)

Smart Power Strips

Electrical devices consume power even when they’re switched off. In fact, this “phantom” use of power makes up 40% of your total home (or 73% of your total office) energy usage. But what’s the alternative to crawling underneath the desk(s) to unplug your things each time? Or, replacing all of your old appliances EnergyStar-rated ones? It’s called the smart power strip.

Also known as the energy saving power strip, this smart little gadget automatically cuts off the power supply from the power source when devices are shut off, while still supplying power to the devices that you always need on (e.g., Internet phone, cable modem, DVR). Best of all, in addition to costing you no more than a standard power strip, a smart power strip will give you surge protection and save you about $15 to $20 per month on your energy bill!

Cost:

Approximately $20 to $100

Payback:

For a smart power strip around $35, as little as 6 weeks

Savings:

According to treehugger.com, per year = $178; 10-year savings = $2834*

Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping literally refers to the narrow strip of material that covers the joint of a door or window to exclude the cold; but often times it actually refers to the act of sealing air leaks, drafts, dust and moisture from under and around doors, windows, and electrical outlets on exterior walls as well as air ducts and chimneys. And while it takes some time for you to caulk and seal your entire home, the total effects in terms of money savings are dramatic and long-lasting.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, home weatherization may cost $1000 but will potentially save $300 to $500 per year. That amount is equal to 20% of your total heating & cooling bill or 10% of your total energy bill (based on a 3-bedroom house with insulation in walls, attic, among other areas and spaces). As a matter of fact, if you insulate your home on or before 12/31/2010, you can earn a tax credit up to $1,500!

Cost:

Approximately: door = $2.50 to $15; window = $2 to $23; electrical outlet = $0.10 to $5; air duct done yourself = $10 to $20; air duct done professionally = $300 to $1000; chimney = $45

Payback:

About 2 to 3 years, depending on how well you weatherstrip all of your doors, windows, electrical outlets, air ducts, chimneys and any other sources for drafts or unwanted air seepage

Savings:

$300 to $500 per year, provided your entire home is properly caulked and sealed; cannot estimate savings from individual sealing fixes (epa.gov)

Motion Sensors

Motion sensors (Motion Sensing Wall Switches or Occupancy Sensors) are ideal for controlling lights that have unpredictable usage and could be accidentally left on for prolonged periods of time. In addition to the typical commercial applications, they can be used in home entryways, bathrooms, closets, basements, attics, garage and porches to save money. Motion sensors are convenient because they eliminate the need for anyone to have to remember to turn anything off as they leave a room or space.

In a commercial setting, motions sensors can save you 13% to 90%, depending on the type of room or area of installation. In a residential setting, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy estimates lighting costs adds up to about 10% of total household energy costs (annual average); that means, for example, at $0.0898 per kWh, a $50 motion sensor will pay for itself by saving around 560 kWh over 9 months (based on bulbs that use 2 kWh per day).

Cost:

Approximately $50 to $100; most porch lights have built-in sensors

Payback:

6 months to 1 year, depending on your electricity rate

Savings:

Residential: Up to 10% of your entire monthly energy bill Commercial: 13% to 90%

Programmable Thermostats

High-tech programmable thermostats give you the flexibility to preset temperatures based on criteria such as day of week, time of day, and occupancy. That means, you can set a different temperature for a particular day or range of days; any particular time of day; or an occupied or unoccupied space. Programmable thermostats are convenient because you don’t have to remember to adjust or turn off anything (e.g., before going to bed at night or on a long vacation), once the temperature settings are locked in. Best of all, some utility companies offer free installation (e.g., in exchange for letting them scale back your air conditioner use in the on hot summer days) and/or rebates, so check with them for great incentives to get started today.

Cost:

Approximately $40 to $125

Payback:

About one year, assuming thermostat controls heat and air conditioning, and depending on where you live (climate and electricity rate) and personal preference (average set temperature during the hottest and coldest months)

Savings:

Depending on your electricity rate and climate (per year):
• Low kWh but need lots of heat (e.g., Fargo, ND) = $115
• High kWh and need lots of cooling (e.g., Las Vegas, NV) = $75

Drain Water Heat Recovery System

Did you know that 90% of the energy used to heat water goes down the drain? The good news: by installing a Drain Water Heat Recovery system in your home, you can recycle 60% of the energy that would otherwise be wasted, and reduce your water heating bills by 25% to 40% without altering your lifestyle. A non-storage DWHR is basically a copper heat exchanger that replaces part of your existing vertical shower drainage pipe; as you shower, the heat from the outgoing drain water preheats the freshwater supply that feeds into your water heater, thus saving you water heating bills. Additionally, DWHR systems can be applied to industrial or commercial uses to preheat or precool large quantity of water or other liquids. Better still, some utility companies   offer rebates for those who install, so check with your local company to see if they are offering any incentives.

Cost:

Approximately $625 to $995, plus $100 for professional installation (optional)

Payback:

About 2 to 5 years at a rate of return of 15% to 50% per year — more specifically, it’s closer to 2 years, if you use electricity to heat water; and it’s closer to 5 years, if you use natural gas to heat water

Savings:

If your natural gas rate is fairly high  , then around $120 per year

* Including annual 10% fuel inflation

As the price of gasoline continues to skyrocket, more and more people are looking for ways to save some money elsewhere. Face it… the last time you filled your tank, it cost you $*@ dollars. Just a few years ago with that same amount, you would have instead taken the family to the movies, bought some things at a local hardware store, and then spent the rest on filling your tank. We are less and less able to help the small business owners and local growers by our patronage. Instead, we are giving a larger and larger share of our income to Arabian countries and to the hugely fat wallets of the oil executives who “earn” tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars each year off the backs of the average hard working American. Here are some simple things each of us can do to lessen our use of energy while at the same time reducing our monthly utility bills, thus giving us a little bit more expendable income. I speak from experience. When I moved into my current home (6 years ago), we were on a monthly level pay plan at around $240 per month. Now… our monthly utility bill (still on level pay) is at $74 per month. Try these things:

1. Adjust your thermostat. In the Summer months: set it to run two degrees warmer than you normally do, and, in the Winter months: set it to run two degrees cooler than you normally do. Your body will adjust in a short time, and you can offset this by wearing slippers or a sweater. You will see an immediate drop in your energy bill.

2. Another thermostat tip: Once set… leave it alone. Constantly adjusting the thermostat can dramatically waste energy and increase your heating and cooling costs. If you get a chill, resist the urge to turn it up a few degrees. The chill will pass and can be fixed by slippers or a sweater. If you increase the thermostat, you will only be turning it back down soon. This up and down temperature adjusting causes your furnace or air conditioner to cycle and does nothing but waste energy.

3. One more thermostat tip: Install an electronic programmable thermostat for your heating and cooling system. This is especially effective if nobody is typically home for much of the day. Program it to turn off a half hour before everyone leaves and to come on a half hour before anyone arrives home. Remember to keep the house above 40 degrees during the winter months to prevent pipes and toilets from freeze damage. An electronic programmable thermostat will, all by itself, reduce your energy bill by at least $10-15 per month. It costs about $180 to install. So, after only one year it will actually pay for itself. Even better… each year thereafter it will save you another $150-$180 per year. This little gem is simply money in the bank. Get one!

4. Say: “Energy Star”. When replacing your stove, refrigerator, washer, dryer, hot water heater, microwave, oven, grill, freezer, furnace, air conditioner, or any other appliance type item, make sure you get one that sports the “Energy Star” sticker. Energy Star rated appliances meet or exceed stringent energy use standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They do indeed cost a bit more, but the energy they save over the long haul makes them well worth it.

5. Get rid of those regular (incandescent) light bulbs! Switch all your bulbs to the compact fluorescent bulbs. Yes, they are more expensive at the cash register. But from that point on… they are a gold mine. They generate a lot less heat than standard bulbs, thus reducing your summer cooling costs. Regular bulbs last for several months or even up to a year or more… but fluorescent bulbs typically last more than 5 years and as long as 7 years. And talk about efficient! A regular 60 watt bulb burns 60 watts of electricity. Most homes have 15-25 bulbs. You could easily burn 1000 watts or more without even realizing it. Compare: The same 60 watt bulb (fluorescent version) only burns 13 watts. That’s right. Four of these fluorescent bulbs combined still burn less energy than does just one of the regular bulbs.

6. Seal energy leaks. Caulk over cracks, seams, and small holes around windows and exterior walls. Look carefully (where they go through the floor) around plumbing pipes, telephone wires, cable TV wires, dryer vents, sink and bathtub drains, and under countertops for holes and gaps and seal them well. A good home inspector with a Thermal Imaging camera (and who is certified in its use) is priceless, because they can literally “see” every location where you are wasting energy.

7. Have an energy audit performed on your home. This will find sources of energy waste in your home. It will also determine what improvements or changes you should make to your home in order to make it more energy efficient. These will be prioritized by cost versus gain, and will estimate how much each modification will cost versus how much each modification will reduce your energy cost by. In other words, allowing you to see how long it would take for each modification to pay for itself. Some energy/power companies do provide energy audits, and sometimes at little or no cost. If they do not use a thermal imager, then find a company that does. OxBow Home Inspections is one such company that does offer home energy audits at low cost and does use a thermal imager (and is certified in its use). OxBow is the only such company in all of Idaho. Their energy audits can be seen here at: www.oxbowinspections.com/energyaudit.php

8. Check for tax rebates or incentives whenever you install energy-saving equipment such as Energy Star certified dishwashers, furnaces, air conditioners, etc… Quite often there are these types of incentives offered by individual states and even by the Federal Government. Sometimes these exist even for things such as merely adding insulation. Keep all receipts, and check with you tax advisor.

9. Eliminate the drips. If you have just one sink, or one tub, or one outside water faucet that drips: Have it fixed. Just one drip every second can use 20 kilowatts of energy each month… not to mention hundreds of gallons of water simply wasted. If you’re on a well, this means higher electricity costs for your well pump. If you’re on city water… just watch that monthly bill go up. Either way, you lose.

10. Ask your power company if they have any special energy-saving programs. Some programs shut down electric appliances for short periods of time during peak usage hours. You will hardly notice it at the time, but you will definitely notice it when you get your next utility bill. Idaho Power does indeed have such a program. An added bonus: When you participate, you help reduce the overall electrical demand during those hours of the day when the electrical demand normally spikes.

11. Landscape wisely. Take advantage of the winter sun for heating and use the summer shade for cooling. Selecting the right types of trees and shrubs and planting them in the proper location will do wonders for your utility bills. Consult a landscaping professional for advice.

12. Inspect all of the doors which lead to the exterior, including the one that leads to the garage. I inspect a lot of homes and I can tell you that probably 1/3 of them are losing large amounts of energy around their door weather stripping. The door is something we go through dozens or more times each day. When was the last time you actually stopped and took a good look at your door? Often times, you can make your door seal tightly against the weather stripping merely by adjusting the strike plate!

13. Make sure that the thermostat on your water heater is set at the manufacturer’s recommended setting. Setting it hotter merely wastes energy by keeping the water hot when no one is using it. Do one better… turn it down just a few degrees… just do not go below the minimum setting. Setting it to run a bit cooler will probably not be noticeable, yet it will reduce the amount of energy you spend in the heating of that water. Better yet… install a timer on your water heater. This will heat your water when you are home, but will turn it way down when you are not home or when you are sleeping. Very inexpensive little gold mine, this is.

14. When personal computers first hit the market, most computer experts advised us all to leave the computer on at all times in order to save wear and tear on the hard disk. This is no longer the case with a modern computer. You can now turn it off when you’re not using it, or you can set it up to use the energy-saving “sleep,” “hibernate,” or “standby” modes.

15. Buy a front-loading washing machine. They use 50% less energy and 1/3 less water than conventional models. What’s more: they remove far more water in the rinse and spin cycles which results in big energy savings ($$$) in the dryer. Your dryer will have to work much less in removing the moisture. This translates into a lower utility bill. Even better: It will extend the useful life of your dryer. It will simply last longer.

Times have changed. We can no longer ignore our energy consumption and our impact on the environment. We must all become good stewards of our natural resources. If each of us can reduce our individual carbon footprint by just a little bit… then just imagine the impact when taken collectively by 200 million Americans.

Dappy Jones

OxBow Home Inspections and Radon Testing

http://www.oxbowinspections.com

It sounds really easy, but it is a technique often overlooked by the busy American and the most basic way to start enjoying the savings you generate is by lowering the thermostate temperature while you are sleeping or before you leave the house.

Thermostats function as a switch system for your household’s heating needs. Automatic thermostats instantly shut off or adjust themselves when it senses that the room’s temperature has declined or increased.

However, this on and off mechanism is sometimes what causes the energy bills to skyrocket. When your thermostat does this to you, it might be time to get a replacement, preferrably one that is programmable and equipped with an automatic setback function.

This way, if you forget to adjust your house’s temperature during busy days, a programmable thermostat system is sure to remember and act swiftly.

Programmable thermostats are more convenient because they can be set on a number of temperature levels. Some models even store as many as six, so you won’t need to keep changing it from time to time.

Having one is actually a more cost-efficient way of controlling your energy usage. While programmable thermostats are relatively expensive, they bring greater benefits in the long run.

There are a lot of setback thermostats in the market today and you should find yourself lucky for living in a day and age where innovations and system improvements are sprouting here and there.

Most programmable thermostats cost between $30 and $100, depending on their features and versatility. The most efficient ones have the ability to store various setback periods for an entire week. Of course, since this is still a machine, you ultimately have the power to adjust settings in the event that your heating needs change.

When you’re buying a thermostat, get one that already has a backup battery pack so you won’t have to keep reprogramming the clock when a power shutdown happens.

Also, choose one that has the approval of the Environmental Protection Agency. You will know if the device is environment friendly if it carries the Energy Star seal.

If you are still in doubt about the kind of thermostat you should get for your home, it’s best to ask the experts about it. Getting the wrong one might not actually save from gargantuan energy bills, so it would be more prudent to discuss your needs with the seller. Thermostats are available at several home stores and cooling centers.

Energy Efficient Lighting

Replacing your incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient lights such as Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs is one of the easiest ways to start saving money. EnergyStar-rated CFLs in particular will save you money because they use 75% less energy and last 6 to 12 times longer than traditional bulbs. In fact, replacing your 5 most frequently used bulbs with EnergyStar-rated CFLs can save you more than $65 a year in energy costs; or $50 per lifespan of a CFL bulb (calculation based on 15-watt CFL, 10,000-hour lifespan, and $0.0898 per kWh).

Better still, did you know that if every US household makes its next lightbulb an Energy Star-rated CFL, we will save more than $800 million on our national energy bill and 8.4 billion kWh of energy (that’s enough to power over 808,000 homes for one year – about the number of homes in Boston, Denver, and San Francisco combined)! In pollution terms, it is like removing the pollution of 1.2 million cars for one year!

Cost:

Approximately $2.50 to $5 per bulb

Payback:

Around 3 to 7.5 months, depending on usage and your electric rate (cost per kWh)

Savings:

Provided ALL household light fixtures are energy-efficient: per year = $117; 10-year savings = $1861*

Low Flow Fixtures

Low flow fixtures such as low flow faucets aerators and low flow showerheads save you water, energy and money by limiting the volume of water that flow through them. As such, by switching from standard showerheads (2.5 gpm) to low flow showerheads (1.0 gpm to 1.5 gpm), you can easily save 7,300 gallons of water (approximately 10% to 60% off your current consumption); in terms of combined water and energy savings, that equals to about $91 for natural gas and $143 for electric (calculation based on 4-person family using 1.5 gpm showerhead, FEMP/DOE data, and average water rate of $4/1000 gallons).

Cost:

Approximately: low flow faucet aerator = $1 to $3.50; low flow showerhead = $10 to $68

Payback:

For aerators, immediate; for showerheads, 2+ months, depending on the gpm

Savings:

Niagara Conservation 1.5 gpm 2915CH low flow showerhead, for example:
• Electric Water Heat = 949 kWh + 7,300 gal H2O = $143 (per year)
• Gas Water Heat = 52 therms + 7,300 gal H2O = $91 (per year)

Smart Power Strips

Electrical devices consume power even when they’re switched off. In fact, this “phantom” use of power makes up 40% of your total home (or 73% of your total office) energy usage. But what’s the alternative to crawling underneath the desk(s) to unplug your things each time? Or, replacing all of your old appliances EnergyStar-rated ones? It’s called the smart power strip.

Also known as the energy saving power strip, this smart little gadget automatically cuts off the power supply from the power source when devices are shut off, while still supplying power to the devices that you always need on (e.g., Internet phone, cable modem, DVR). Best of all, in addition to costing you no more than a standard power strip, a smart power strip will give you surge protection and save you about $15 to $20 per month on your energy bill!

Cost:

Approximately $20 to $100

Payback:

For a smart power strip around $35, as little as 6 weeks

Savings:

According to treehugger.com, per year = $178; 10-year savings = $2834*

Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping literally refers to the narrow strip of material that covers the joint of a door or window to exclude the cold; but often times it actually refers to the act of sealing air leaks, drafts, dust and moisture from under and around doors, windows, and electrical outlets on exterior walls as well as air ducts and chimneys. And while it takes some time for you to caulk and seal your entire home, the total effects in terms of money savings are dramatic and long-lasting.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, home weatherization may cost $1000 but will potentially save $300 to $500 per year. That amount is equal to 20% of your total heating & cooling bill or 10% of your total energy bill (based on a 3-bedroom house with insulation in walls, attic, among other areas and spaces). As a matter of fact, if you insulate your home on or before 12/31/2010, you can earn a tax credit up to $1,500!

Cost:

Approximately: door = $2.50 to $15; window = $2 to $23; electrical outlet = $0.10 to $5; air duct done yourself = $10 to $20; air duct done professionally = $300 to $1000; chimney = $45

Payback:

About 2 to 3 years, depending on how well you weatherstrip all of your doors, windows, electrical outlets, air ducts, chimneys and any other sources for drafts or unwanted air seepage

Savings:

$300 to $500 per year, provided your entire home is properly caulked and sealed; cannot estimate savings from individual sealing fixes (epa.gov)

Motion Sensors

Motion sensors (Motion Sensing Wall Switches or Occupancy Sensors) are ideal for controlling lights that have unpredictable usage and could be accidentally left on for prolonged periods of time. In addition to the typical commercial applications, they can be used in home entryways, bathrooms, closets, basements, attics, garage and porches to save money. Motion sensors are convenient because they eliminate the need for anyone to have to remember to turn anything off as they leave a room or space.

In a commercial setting, motions sensors can save you 13% to 90%, depending on the type of room or area of installation. In a residential setting, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy estimates lighting costs adds up to about 10% of total household energy costs (annual average); that means, for example, at $0.0898 per kWh, a $50 motion sensor will pay for itself by saving around 560 kWh over 9 months (based on bulbs that use 2 kWh per day).

Cost:

Approximately $50 to $100; most porch lights have built-in sensors

Payback:

6 months to 1 year, depending on your electricity rate

Savings:

Residential: Up to 10% of your entire monthly energy bill Commercial: 13% to 90%

Programmable Thermostats

High-tech programmable thermostats give you the flexibility to preset temperatures based on criteria such as day of week, time of day, and occupancy. That means, you can set a different temperature for a particular day or range of days; any particular time of day; or an occupied or unoccupied space. Programmable thermostats are convenient because you don’t have to remember to adjust or turn off anything (e.g., before going to bed at night or on a long vacation), once the temperature settings are locked in. Best of all, some utility companies offer free installation (e.g., in exchange for letting them scale back your air conditioner use in the on hot summer days) and/or rebates, so check with them for great incentives to get started today.

Cost:

Approximately $40 to $125

Payback:

About one year, assuming thermostat controls heat and air conditioning, and depending on where you live (climate and electricity rate) and personal preference (average set temperature during the hottest and coldest months)

Savings:

Depending on your electricity rate and climate (per year):
• Low kWh but need lots of heat (e.g., Fargo, ND) = $115
• High kWh and need lots of cooling (e.g., Las Vegas, NV) = $75

Drain Water Heat Recovery System

Did you know that 90% of the energy used to heat water goes down the drain? The good news: by installing a Drain Water Heat Recovery system in your home, you can recycle 60% of the energy that would otherwise be wasted, and reduce your water heating bills by 25% to 40% without altering your lifestyle. A non-storage DWHR is basically a copper heat exchanger that replaces part of your existing vertical shower drainage pipe; as you shower, the heat from the outgoing drain water preheats the freshwater supply that feeds into your water heater, thus saving you water heating bills. Additionally, DWHR systems can be applied to industrial or commercial uses to preheat or precool large quantity of water or other liquids. Better still, some utility companies   offer rebates for those who install, so check with your local company to see if they are offering any incentives.

Cost:

Approximately $625 to $995, plus $100 for professional installation (optional)

Payback:

About 2 to 5 years at a rate of return of 15% to 50% per year — more specifically, it’s closer to 2 years, if you use electricity to heat water; and it’s closer to 5 years, if you use natural gas to heat water

Savings:

If your natural gas rate is fairly high  , then around $120 per year

* Including annual 10% fuel inflation

From the Manufacturer

The Lux TX9100E is a fully-programmable energy saving thermostat that is compatible for use with almost every home heating and cooling system, including heat pumps. 7-Day programmable, the TX9100E helps save energy by allowing a homeowner to select times and temperatures that best match their daily schedules and comfort levels. The result is a more energy efficient heating and cooling system that uses energy when it is needed most. The TX9100E also includes (more…)

Thermostat Auto $save 7 Day Programmable w/Auto Changeover Compatible with Most Furnaces & Cooling Systems (24 volt, milli volt & Single Stage Heat Pump)

(more…)