Changes @ Home
Not only can you make a difference on the road but also at home. For many people, this is where you relax, enjoy your space, and forget the stresses of the workplace. With a few changes this can be done energy efficiently as well. If you are not ready for a large project or don't feel too strongly that you home is in need of change, you can always start small. For many newer construction homes, the builder has incorporated the green factor and energy efficiency into the home. If you have one of these newer homes there is ultimately less of a reason to work on the house. If you have an older home however, there are some things to look for.
First of all, sealing off the home is a large factor. Your furnace has to work harder when there is climate change and if there is less climate change, there is less energy that needs to be used to produce a comfortable living atmosphere. By adding sealant to cracks around windows (found in home improvement stores) or filling in gaps in siding around the house, more outside air is kept out. Window quality can also influence the climate of a home. Older windows are either not as thick as newer windows or radiate more temperature changes through them than newer windows. If you are willing to purchase new windows, there will be a difference in the amount of energy used by climate systems in the house. You can also reduce climate related energy consumption by purchasing a new smart-programmable thermostat or correctly setting the one you already have. You can shut off the heat when nobody's home and turn the heat on when members of the family are home using the run-time programs of the thermostat.
Another way to save energy is by considering the appliances you use in your home. Large appliances can consume enormous amounts of electricity as they run. One appliance in particular should draw attention. The refrigerator/freezer consumes large amounts of energy 24hrs a day to keep your food fresh. It can consume over 1000 kwh a year. This is more than the television, washing machine, dishwaher, microwave, etc (refer to graph at right). When you are shopping to replace an outdated refrigerator or any appliance that is, look for the "Energy Star" label. Energy star appliances are energy conscience and have earned the energy star approval because it has met a certain standard.
Other changes to the home can include adding insulation to places such as the attic or crawlspace, sealing off duct work, or shutting off electronic devices when they are not necessary can all save energy.