Energy Facts

Ten Simple Things To Save Money, Energy, and the Environment Today Lowe's wants to help you save money with ENERGY STAR® and other energy-saving products. Saving energy not only saves you money, it helps protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Lowe's commitment to energy savings is about more than just the products we offer. We want to make energy savings easy for you. Saving money on energy doesn't require a lot of time, tools or cash. In fact, some of the most cost effective measures you can take require no more than a trip to Lowe's, a screwdriver and an hour of your time. Lowe's is proud to help you save money on your home by saving energy. Join us in learning a wide variety of simple ways you can make a difference in your energy bill and the environment To start off, here are 10 quick projects with quick results and payback you can do today.

1. Adjust thresholds and door sweeps
2. Add electrical outlet sealers
3. Seal leaky ductwork
4. Install an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat
5. Make sure your chimney damper is shut tight
6. Lower the temperature on your water heater
7. Install dimmer switches and motion detector lights
8. Clean your refrigerator coils
9. Change furnace and cooling equipment air filters
10. Invest in ENERGY STAR products

That little one-eighth-inch gap along the bottom of your front door is equivalent to having a four-inch hole in your wall; you'd plug that up fast! If your threshold and lower door sweep are adjustable, take five minutes to adjust them so they're snug. Usually it requires only a screwdriver. If they're not adjustable, replacement parts are available.

The area behind electrical outlet boxes is frequently neglected when a house is insulated. Adding more insulation usually isn't an option, but reducing drafts from air leaks is. Foam electrical outlet sealers, designed to fit snugly behind outlets and switch cover plates, are inexpensive and install easily.

A recent study estimates that the average forced-air system loses more than 20% of its heated (or cooled) air through leaks in the duct system. In open basements and attics where ductwork is accessible, it's usually easy to seal these leaks.

Two materials excel at the task, both are inexpensive and the typical payback period on your investment is less than two years. Use a silicone sealant designed for ducts to seal gaps around curved seams, and aluminum tape to seal straight seams. Note: Contrary to its name, duct tape is actually one of the worst materials for sealing ducts; it degrades very quickly.

By lowering your thermostat you can save two percent on your heating bill for every 1° C it is lowered. Use an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat to drop the temperature at night or when you are away.

Don't overlook the obvious. Did you remember to shut your fireplace damper after that cozy little fire you had a few months ago? Open dampers allow chimneys to pull warm air out in winter and cool air out in summer.

Heating water beyond 99° C can be both unsafe and wasteful. You can easily save money by lowering the temperature setting on your water heater. It's usually as simple as turning a dial. If your water heater doesn't have temperature markings on the dial, check water temperature with a cooking thermometer and gradually adjust the temperature by trial and error.

An inexpensive dimmer switch can lower your utility bill and substantially prolong bulb life. Installing motion detector lights outdoors keeps lights from burning all night long. For non-motion detector fixtures, screw-in adapters and independent motion sensors are available.

At least twice a year (more often if you have pets that shed) take time to clean the coils behind or beneath your refrigerator. Clean coils help the compressor work faster and run less often, saving electricity and resulting in fewer service calls and longer life for your appliance.

Check your filter every month, especially during heavy-use months, both summer and winter. A dirty filter will slow down airflow and make the system work harder. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system.

When shopping for new appliances, heating and cooling equipment, light fixtures and building materials, look for the ENERGY STAR logo. It's your assurance that the product uses less energy, saves more money and helps protect the environment better than standard models.