If you're looking to save on your electric bill, the basement and the laundry room are both great places to make energy-efficient improvements. From appliances such as washing machines and dryers to heating and cooling equipment, there are important steps you can take to improve your home's energy efficiency, save on energy bills and help protect the environment.
My Utilities loves EnergyStar.gov and their consistent tricks and tips teaching us how to save power and money. Listed below are 5 areas we can look to save energy and money in our basement and or laundry rooms!
Seal Basement Cracks
There are many nooks and crannies that waste energy if not sealed properly, increasing your energy bill and causing more drafts in your home. A common area of air leakage is along the top of the basement wall where cement or blocks comes in contact with the wood frame (known as the “rim joist” or “band joist” ). Vents, ducts, pipes and electrical wires often have holes or gaps around them which can also allow the air in your home to escape.
Small Gaps
Seal small gaps with caulk and holes up to 3 inches in diameter with expanding spray foam or caulk.
Gaps Larger Than 3 Inches
Cover spaces larger than 3 inches with a piece of foam board and seal with spray foam.
Maintain Your HVAC System
Dirt and neglect are the top causes of heating and cooling system inefficiency and failure.
It’s important to change your system’s air filter regularly and have routine maintenance performed by a certified technician. I know, I know, it sounds annoying but it really will help you out in the long run.
If you have older HVAC equipment that is not keeping your house comfortable, consider replacing with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR. When replacing equipment, make sure to ask your contractor if they follow energy star quality installation guidelines. Depending on where you live replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with equipment that has earned the energy star can cut your annual energy bill by more than $200.
Get A Tankless Water Heater
Tankless, energy star, water heaters that are only heated when needed can save the typical family more than $80 per year on gas bills compared to a standard storage model. Larger families can save even more.
Don't Over Dry Clothing
An easy way to reduce overspending is to not over dry your clothes. If your dryer has a moisture sensor, set it to automatically turn the machine off when clothes are done. This way your clothes won't get scorched and neither will your wallet over time. Remember to clean the lint trap before every load. Try to dry full loads or simply reduce drying time for partial loads.
Wash Full Loads With Cold Water
Wash your laundry with cold water whenever possible. To save water, try to wash full loads or if you must wash a partial load, reduce the level of water appropriately.
