All this month we've been sharing all the ways you can enjoy a "fresh start" to the new year, with plenty of cleaning, organizing, and decorating ideas. But have you considered a diet? No, not the typical New Year's resolution type, but a cleanse-workout for your home's gluttonous hunger for energy. Here's a helpful infographic to walk us all through the problem areas where unplugging, replacing, or simply turning down the dial can save you money throughout the year...
1. Bathroom Fan: High efficiency ventilation fans can save 60% more energy (and are less noisy than regular ceiling fans!).
2. TV: LED-backlit LCD televisions are the most energy friendly TVs on the market, saving you 50% more energy than your old TV.
3. Stove: Electronic ignition gas stoves and convection ovens can save 33% more energy.
4. Refrigerator: Resource saver fridges can save 30% more energy.
5. Water Heater: Replace your water heater with an automatic activation and deactivation tankless gas water heater and save 22% more energy.
6. Heating: Consider installing an automated HVAC system for heater and cooler which can save you 20% more energy.
7. Blinds: Programmable blinds and drapes can save 20% more energy (set them to close during the hottest part of the day to keep your house comfortable, plus you won't use as much air conditioning!).
8. Lighting: Automatic dimmers can save 15% more energy.
(Infographic used by permission: Redbeacon.com)
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Generally I really like these kinds of articles, but these changes are certainly not renter-friendly. I guess I get points for having an LED TV =)
I think its important to note what these comparisons are made against (I haven't checked the sources). For instance an LED TV is a great upgrade from a CRT but less of an upgrade from a "traditional" LCD. I considered upgrading to one until I saw how negligible the difference was and considered the resources used to produce and deliver it. The most energy efficient thing that can be done in most cases is to simply hold on to what you've got longer.
Where can I find those Automatic Dimmers you mentioned?
are there really water tanks in attics in some places? I've never seen that before, and it seems like such a bad idea should there ever be a leak.
Anyway, on topic, we just had to redo the ceilings of our bathrooms due to mold and I would say that even more important than the efficient fan is getting a fan that has a properly closing damper, and also getting a good roof cap that has its own good quality damper closure. I was floored at how not a single one of the bath fans available at the local Lowe's or Home Depot had a damper that would close completely once I stopped blowing on it (I am not exaggerating). Had to purchase something more expensive online (we went with fantech for the exhaust fan and the roof cap, but there are other brands). You're not going to see any savings if your high efficiency fan system lets conditioned air flow through the ducting to the outdoors all the time it's off (and/or lets outdoor air in).