Tips for the Homeowner

With a few simple improvements to your home, you can:

Increase your comfort!
Make your home safer and healthier!
Save electricity, gas, and water!
Lower your utility bills!
Enhance your home’s value!

TRY THESE TIPS:

FOR ENERGY SAVINGS - -

- Perform a home energy audit.

- Install high-efficiency heating and cooling systems.

- Use enhanced building insulation and envelope sealing requirements.

- Install energy efficient windows and doors.

- Insulate your hot water pipes and hot water heater tanks.

- Plant shade trees.

U.S. Department of Energy computer models indicate that just three strategically placed trees can save an average household between $100 and $250 in annual heating and cooling costs.

- In summer, close south facing blinds during the day. In winter, open south facing blinds during the day.

- Use ENERGY STAR rated lighting and appliances

· replace your 10-year old refrigerator with a new EnergyStar model

Over a 5 year period, an EnergyStar refrigerator will save an average of 3.5 tons of CO₂ from being emitted. (source: beclimatesmart.com)

· replace standard light bulbs with CFL bulbs

Over a 5 year period, a CFL bulb will save an average of 1,114 lbs of CO2 from being emitted. (source: beclimatesmart.com) Remember to turn off lights when you leave a room!

FOR WATER SAVINGS - -

- Install low flow plumbing fixtures.

Low flow showerheads.
Showering is one of the top uses of residential water in the United States. According to the EPA, it represents approximately 17 percent of indoor water. Using more water efficient low flow showerheads, can save a substantial amount of water.
Low flow faucet aerators.
Faucets account for more than 15 percent of indoor household water use. Aerators can help by reducing a sink's water flow by 30 percent or more without sacrificing performance. Simply screw the aerator onto your existing faucet.
Low flush toilets
According to the EPA, nearly 80 percent of the toilets in use today exceed the maximum allowable flush volume set by federal standards. Replacing these inefficient fixtures with high-efficiency flushing urinals can save between 1.0 and 4.5 gallons per flush, without sacrificing performance.

- Buy front loading washers.

Replace old clothes washers with new front loading washers. They use half the water and much less electricity. And don’t forget to make it an EnergyStar rated unit.

- Capture rainwater.

· rain gardens and bioswales

· rain barrels

· green roofs

AND DON'T FORGET ABOUT INDOOR AIR QUALITY!

According to the EPA, on average, Americans spend about 90 percent or more of their time indoors. So, green buildings should be healthy on the inside as well as energy efficient and easy on the environment. Unfortunately, indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times higher, and occasionally more than 100 times higher, than outdoor levels.

The best methods for improving indoor air quality are ventilation and removing contaminants such as dust, pesticides, cleaners, carbon monoxide, molds, and other allergens. Also, volatile organic compounds found in paints, carpet, furniture, and wood products, sealants, and other materials can release harmful gases into the air. Select products with few or no VOCs to make your home healthier.

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City of Bartlesville, OK

Tips for the Homeowner