About home energy use

$4 a day. That’s the average amount Chattanooga area families pay for electricity to keep our houses warm + our TVs on (a.k.a. less than the cost of a latte). The Department of Energy estimates this cost could be reduced by up to 25% by making one’s home more energy efficient. Um, I’d be cool with saving money each month. 💰

WalletHub recently ranked the most energy efficient states, and Tennessee came in 45 out of 48 (with Hawaii + Alaska excluded) – so there’s definitely room for improvement.

You may be wondering, “What’s using the most energy in my home?” Here’s a breakdown of average home energy usage from the U.S. Energy Information Administration:

51%: Heat + air conditioning
27%: Water heaters, lighting + refrigeration
21%: Devices like televisions, kitchen appliances + consumer electronics

On average, heating + air conditioning use the most energy in U.S. homes | Image via EIA

Luckily, there are several ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency – but it can be complicated if you’re not an expert. To help you out, EPB offers free eScore evaluations in which an energy expert will come to your house, do a room-by-room examination, and review past utility bills to help determine your energy efficiency – free of charge. They’ll also outline suggested improvements – a.k.a. give you some #protips for getting more value for your energy use.

Tips and tricks

Heating + cooling

Check your air filters each month + change as needed. Dirty filters can waste energy, damage equipment + reduce efficiency.
Make sure vents aren’t blocked by furniture or drapes.
Consider replacing single-pane windows with double-pane windows.
During warmer months, set your thermostat to no lower than 75º when home and 80º when gone for several hours.
Open drapes/blinds to allow the sun to warm your house in cooler months, and close drapes/blinds to keep your house cooler in warmer months.
Close all windows, doors + chimney dampers when using air conditioning.

Keeping energy in

Install insulation in your attic, including the access door.
Caulk to seal cracks/crevices around doors + window frames.
Seal + replace leaky HVAC ductwork (could reduce energy waste by 20% or more).

Water heaters

Lower the thermostat to 120º, which should provide plenty of hot water without wasting energy.
Wrap tank with proper insulation to keep heat in.
Consider replacing water heaters that are 7+ years old, as newer models are more energy efficient.
Take more showers than baths, and keep them short.
During warmer months, turn off your water heater when going out of town.

See more tips here from the energy experts at EPB, and schedule your free eScore evaluation here. Ⓟ

Quiz

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