1. Energy Efficiency Practices for the Low-Income Population
Donald Fournier
Managing Director
SEDAC
University of Illinois

2. Residential Energy
American homes use almost 25% of the energy consumed in the United States.
About 80% of that energy is used in single-family homes, 15% in multi-family homes (such as apartments and condos), and 5% in mobile homes.
Residential energy use has steadily increased over the past 25 years, but has increased at a slower rate than the rate of population increase.
Many efficiency gains are being offset by increases in the number of electronics and appliances in the average home.
There are still many opportunities to reduce energy consumption in the home at low or no costs.

3. Residential Trends
Electricity represents the biggest change in residential energy usage.
Result of significant nationwide increase in home central air conditioning, use of home energy appliances, and computers
Electricity remains the most expensive energy source
HUD Report: Implementing HUD’s Energy Strategy, pg.6—EIA data

4. Residential Energy Consumption
Heating will be the largest energy usage.
Next will be appliances and lighting.
Next is water heating, then cooling.

5. No Cost Ways to Save
In winter turn down your thermostat to 68 degrees:
Every 1% setback = 3% savings on heating bill.
Wear warm clothing to stay comfortable.
Set the thermostat back to 55 degrees when away or sleeping (save 5-20%).
In summer with central cooling, turn up your thermostat to 78 degrees:
Dress appropriately.
Set up during the day if no one home.
Turn off window units when not in the room.
For every degree you lower your heat for 24 hrs, you’ll save an average of 3 percent on heating costs.
Wear warm clothing like a sweater and set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower during the day and evening, health permitting.
Setting the thermostat back to 55 degrees when leaving home for an extended time can save you 5-20 percent of your heating costs (heat pumps should only be set back two degrees to prevent unneeded use of backup strip heating).
IT’s a myth that it takes more energy to heat up the house after letting it cool off. More setbacks yield more savings.

6. Low Cost Ways to Save
Replace or clean furnace filters every one to three months.
Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use.
Keeping your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted will reduce energy use, saving up to 5 percent of heating costs.
In summer, keep central A/C condenser clear of leaves, bushes, etc.
Use a ceiling fan and turn up the thermostat a few degrees.
Replace or clean furnace filters once a month. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use. Now is also the time for a furnace "tune-up." Keeping your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted will reduce energy use, saving up to 5 percent of heating costs.
Do not simply remove dirty filters. This will allow dirt to collect on the heat exchanger surfaces and reduce efficiency.

7. No Cost Ways to Save Reduce hot water temperature to 110-120º.
Save 7-11 % of water heating costs.
Insulate water supply line (first 5 feet).
Use cold water when washing clothes.
13-16% of home energy cost is for water heating (today’s detergents are designed for cold water).
Clothes dryer:
Keep dryer free of lint (clean filter every load).
Keep dryer vent free of obstructions.
Do not vent into the house or attic.
Reduce hot water temperature. Set your water heater to the "normal" setting or 120º, unless the owner's manual for your dishwasher requires a higher setting. Savings are 7-11 percent of water heating costs. Insulate the first five feet of pipe coming out of the top of your water heater or the whole length until the pipe goes into the wall if that is less than five feet. Pipe insulation is available from your hardware store.
Use cold water when washing clothes. About 16 percent of an average home energy bill goes just for heating water. Most detergents clean well in cooler temperatures. Keep clothes dryer free of lint and inspect dryer vent to be sure it is free of obstructions.

8. No Cost Ways to Save
Perform a Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audit at
The one line tool helps you identify projects and estimate savings

9. No Cost Ways to Save Take a 5 minute shower instead of a bath.
In heating season let the sun in.
Open drapes and shades on the sunny side during the day. Close at night.
Remove window air conditioning units for the winter.
Remove to prevent heat from escaping through and around the unit.
If it cannot be removed, buy a cover to prevent drafts (or wrap and tape with a large piece of plastic).
Take a five-minute shower instead of a bath to reduce hot water use.
Let the sun in. Open drapes and shades on the sunny side of your house to help warm the home during the day. Close drapes and shades at night to cut heat loss.
Remove window air conditioning units for the winter. If you have a window air conditioning unit, remove it for the winter months to prevent heat from escaping through and around the unit. If it cannot be moved, buy a cover to prevent drafts.

10. No Cost Ways to Save Close your fireplace flue. Use your ceiling fan.
Keep closed except when not in use.
Also shut fire place doors if installed.
Use your ceiling fan.
Run blades counter-clockwise in summer to push to create a breeze (moving air feels cooler). Set up thermostat a few degrees.
Run clockwise in the winter to bring warm air down (only if there are high ceilings).
When purchasing new ceiling fans, consider an ENERGY STAR model
Close your flue. Always make sure the fireplace damper seals tightly and remains closed except when a fire is burning or smoldering in the fireplace. Also shut fire place doors if installed.
Use your ceiling fan. Ceiling fans help keep you comfortable not only in the summer but in the winter as well. Reversing the direction of the blades pushes warm air down into the room. Fans should turn clockwise in the summer and counter-clockwise in the winter. When purchasing new ceiling fans, consider an Energy Star model for optimum fan and motor efficiency.

11. No Cost Ways to Save Put your computer to sleep.
Activate "sleep" when not in use for a while.
Turn off equipment during longer periods of non-use to cut energy costs and improve longevity.
Don’t waste hot water.
Adjust load size on washer to fit actual load.
Put your computer to sleep. Activate "sleep" features on computers and office equipment that power down when the equipment is not in use for a while. Turn off equipment during longer periods of non-use to cut energy costs and improve longevity.
Don’t waste hot water. Adjust load size on washer to fit actual load. Set small loads to low water level to save water and energy.

12. No Cost Ways to Save Flip the switch. Keep vent space clean & clear.
Turn off appliances when not in use: lights, TVs, VCRs or DVDs, computers, other electronics.
Unplug electronics with remotes when not being used regularly.
Keep vent space clean & clear.
Make sure draperies, furniture or rugs aren’t blocking air.
Clean grills regularly with a vacuum or a broom.
Flip the switch. Turn off all appliances and equipment when not in use: lights, TVs, VCRs or DVDs, computers, other electronics.
Keep vent space clean & clear. Make sure heating registers, vents and cold air returns are not blocked by draperies, furniture or rugs. These should also be cleaned regularly with a vacuum or a broom.
(pull the plug on vampires..)

13. No Cost Ways to Save Clean Refrigerator Coils
Condenser coils are located in the back of older refrigerators and at the bottom of most new ones. They should be periodically cleaned with a vacuum or brush. Be sure to unplug the refrigerator when cleaning the coils.
Condenser coils are located in the back of older refrigerators and at the bottom of most new ones (behind the kick plate). They should be periodically cleaned with a vacuum or brush. Be sure to unplug the refrigerator when cleaning the coils. The coils on freezers also should be cleaned regularly (every 6-12 months depending on lifestyle (pets?)).

14. Low Cost Ways to Save
Caulk is cheap. Seal around windows, doors, and exterior walls near the floor, electrical outlets and plumbing penetrations. (Save % on heating.)
Caulk is cheap. On windy days, feel around windows, doors, and exterior walls near the floor, electrical outlets or plumbing penetrations. Seal up your windows and doors with caulking and weather stripping to ensure that you're not wasting energy on heat that escapes through leaks to the outdoors. Caulk works best on small gaps. Your hardware store should have products to close the larger gaps. Use low expansion foam product to seal larger openings.

16. Where to look for air leaks.
Most homeowners are aware that air leaks into their house through the seams and cracks around doors and windows frames and through fireplaces and chimneysl But the biggest leaks are usually hidden from view. The biggest leaks take place in the connections between unheated and heated space in the building. The seams and lines of pluming or wiring between the living spaces and the basement, crawlspace, and attic are top priority for sealing. After these areas are repaired, the windows, doors and other wall penetrations should be addressed.
Look for leaks 1. where two walls meet, or wall meets ceiling. 2.recessed lighting fixtures, 3.false ceilings such as kitchen or bathroom soffits, 4.around the chimney or fireplace, 5. around the attic trap door or recessed stairs. 6. where pipes enter walls (look under your sink and behind the toilet) 7.ductwork, 8. plumbing chases, wiring penetrations through the top plates of walls and between the attic and the conditioned space. 9. windows and doors.

17. Home Sealing
Caulk is cheap. On windy days, feel around windows, doors, and exterior walls near the floor, electrical outlets or plumbing penetrations.
Seal up your windows and doors with caulking and weather stripping to ensure that you're not wasting energy on heat that escapes through leaks to the outdoors.
Caulk works best on small gaps. Your hardware store should have products to close the larger gaps. Use low expansion foam product to seal larger openings.
Source: EPA - A DO-IT-YOURSELF GUIDE TO ENERGY STAR® HOME SEALING

19. Seal Small Gaps
Use expanding foam and caulk to seal the openings around plumbing vent pipes and electrical wires.
Be sure to wear gloves and be careful not to get expanding foam on your clothes, as the foam is very sticky and nearly impossible to remove once it sets.
When the foam or caulk is dry, cover the area again with insulation.

20. Seal and Insulate Attic Hatches

21. Low Cost Ways to Save
Seal around pipes in exterior walls. Expanding foam sealants works well for sealing gaps more than ¼ inch wide.
Caulk basement air leaks. Get rid of drafts on the main floor by caulking along the sill plate and band joist in the basement.

22. Install Window Kits in Winter
Use when there are single pane or lose fit windows.
Cuts out infiltration and adds to thermal barrier.
Shrinks tight for a transparent, wrinkle-free fit.
Double-sided tape seals off cracks and crevices.
Quick & easy installation.
Kits available for a variety of window sizes.

23. Low Cost Ways to Save
Check the yellow energy label on your water heater.
A low efficiency water heater could use an insulation blanket.
If your water heater is on the low end of the efficiency rating, then it is still possible to reduce fuel cost effectively by adding an insulation blanket. Insulation blankets are available at most home improvement stores and are relatively inexpensive energy efficiency solutions. (However, if the water heater is on the high end of the efficiency range, then additional insulation will probably not be of much benefit.) Gas water heater 43% effic -65% effic., electric water heater 70%-95%, heat pump water heater

24. Low Cost Ways to Save Insulate Water Heater & Pipes
Insulate your water hater and water pipes. Giving your water heater a blanket to lower your water-heating bills is an easy, do-it-yourself job. Be sure to follow the insulation manufacturer’s installation instructions – the process differs for electric and gas water heaters.
Use foam insulation on hot water pipes in your basement or crawl space. The water will stay warmer in the pipes, cutting the time you need to wait for hot water for sinks, bathtubs or showers.

25. Low Cost Ways to Save Seal and Insulate Ducts Insulation Tape seams
Seal your duct work. While duct tape works well on lots of things it often fails when used on ductwork! Use duct mastic (a gooey substance applied with a paintbrush) to seal all exposed ductwork joints in areas such as the attic, crawlspace, or basement. Insulate ducts in unconditioned areas to improve your heating system’s efficiency and your own comfort. Metal duct tape is another option, but be sure to clean dust from areas to be sealed.
Tape seams
Seal leaks with mastic or aluminum tape

26. Low Cost Ways to Save
Go low flow. Install low- flow showerheads and sink aerators.
Repair leaky faucets and toilets promptly – save water, money, and energy.
Go low flow. Install low-flow showerheads and sink aerators to reduce hot water use.
Repair leaky faucets promptly and save both water, money, and energy.
Use plastic window kits to insulate your windows. In the winter, storm windows can reduce your heat loss by 25% - 50%. As an alternative, you can improve your windows temporarily with plastic sheeting installed on the inside.

27. Low Cost Ways to Save Install an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat:
Temperature automatically sets back when asleep or away.
Consider ENERGY STAR labeled appliances - use less energy, save money, and help the environment.
Change a Light.
Replace incandescent light bulbs with comparable compact fluorescent lamps.
Install an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat:
Programmable thermostats automatically set back the temperature when you are asleep or away from home.
Consider ENERGY STAR labeled products when you are replacing old appliances or purchasing new ones. Products in more than 40 categories are eligible for the ENERGY STAR. They use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment. Ask for the ENERGY STAR.
Change a Light. Replace incandescent light bulbs with comparable compact fluorescent lamps.

28. Compact Fluorescent Lamps
CFLs use far less energy.
Have comparable brightness and color rendition compared to incandescent lamps.
Can directly replace standard incandescent bulbs.
Incandescent
CFL
25 Watt =
5 Watt
50 Watt
9 Watt
60 Watt
15 Watt
75 Watt
20 Watt
100 Watt
120 Watt
28 Watt
150 Watt
39 Watt
No other new product in the lighting industry has had as great an impact as the compact fluorescent lamp (CFL). CFLs are smaller versions of standard fluorescent lamps.
They consume between 5 to 40 watts, and have a brightness and color rendition that is comparable to incandescent lights. Unlike standard fluorescent lamps, they can directly replace standard incandescent bulbs. Here is a table comparing the wattage of commonly available incandescent lamps and the wattage of a CFL that will provide similar light levels.

29. Comprehensive Ways to Save
Check your insulation:
Check attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawl spaces vs. insulation levels recommended for your area.
R-values—the higher the R-value, the better your house will resist the transfer of heat.
DOE recommends ranges of R-values based on local energy costs and climate conditions.
See Zip Code Insulation Calculator, for economic insulation levels:
Check your insulation:
Check the insulation in your attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawl spaces to see if it meets the levels recommended for your area. Insulation is measured in R-values—the higher the R-value, the better your walls and roof will resist the transfer of heat.
DOE recommends ranges of R-values based on local heating and cooling costs and climate conditions in different areas of the nation. For customized insulation recommendations, check out the Zip Code Insulation Calculator, which lists the most economic insulation levels for your new or existing home based on your zip code and other basic information about your home.

30. Comprehensive Ways to Save
Increase your attic insulation.
Easiest and most cost- effective insulation option.
If less than R-19 (6 inches of fiber glass or rock wool or 5 inches of cellulose), more could help.
Consider insulating exterior walls.
If attic insulated but home still drafty and cold in the winter, or too warm in the summer, add insulation to the exterior walls.
Increase your attic insulation. The easiest and most cost-effective way to insulate your home is to add insulation in the attic. To find out if you have enough attic insulation, measure the thickness of insulation. If there is less than R-19 (6 inches of fiber glass or rock wool or 5 inches of cellulose) you could probably benefit by adding more.
Consider insulating exterior walls. If your attic has ample insulation and your home still feels drafty and cold in the winter or too warm in the summer, chances are you need to add insulation to the exterior walls as well. This is a more expensive measure that usually requires a contractor, but it may be worth the cost.

31. Adding Insulation
Adding attic insulation – when you add insulation to your attic, run the new batts perpendicular to the direction of the ceiling joists to cover air gaps that may have developed in the existing insulation along the joists.
Insulate the perimeter of the house along the band joist between the floor and the foundation. Cut insulation to fit band joist spaces between the sill and subfloor.

32. Recommended Insulation Levels
Area
Recommended
R-value
Attic
38-43
Wall (existing) 13
Wall (new)
21 or 13+5
Floor over unconditioned space 30
Basement Wall
10/13
Crawl Space Wall
Recommended insulation levels for illinois

33. Comprehensive Ways to Save
Keep your furnace operating efficiently:
Seasonal Inspection.
Heating and cooling = half of the energy costs for the average home.
Ask for “temperature-rise check” to be sure your furnace is operating in the range set by the manufacturer.
Keep your furnace operating efficiently:
Have your heating or cooling equipment checked each season by a qualified technician to make sure it is operating properly.
Heating and cooling account for about half of the energy costs for the average home.
Ask them to perform temperature-rise check to be sure your furnace is operating in the range set by the manufacturer.

34. Comprehensive Ways to Save
Look for the ENERGY STAR:
Consider replacing old gas appliances with ENERGY STAR® models.
If gas water heater > 12 years, consider replacement. Look for the Energy Factor (EF)- the higher, the more efficient.
If furnace > 15 years, consider an ENERGY STAR rated model - about 15 % more efficient vs. standard.
Look for the ENERGY STAR:
Consider replacing your old gas appliances with an ENERGY STAR® models.
If your gas water heater is over 12 years old, consider replacing it with a newer, more efficient model. The best indicator of a water heater's efficiency is the Energy Factor (EF). The higher the EF, the more efficient the water heater.
If your furnace is over 15 years old, consider replacing it with an newer ENERGY STAR rated model that is about 15 percent more efficient than standard models.

35. Should You Replace Your Furnace?
If furnace >10 years
and repair costs > $500, replace rather than repair.
If your furnace is old but not broken, deciding when to replace it can be difficult:
Average life of furnaces: years.
Boilers life: 30 years.
Start shopping before life is over, so you won’t make a hasty decision.
If your furnace is more than ten years old and costs more than $500 to fix, it should probably be replaced rather than repaired.
If your furnace is old but not broken, deciding when to replace it can be difficult:
The average life expectancy of furnaces in homes today is between 16 and 20 years.
If your furnace is close to this age or older, begin shopping.
This holds true for boilers as well, although boilers have a greater life expectancy of 30 years.
Be prepared to replace your furnace or boiler.

36. Replacing your furnace?
Emergency shopping can be costly.
If house is large with high heating bills, may be cost-effective to purchase a high efficiency model now.
If repairing furnace, look for a heating professional who has experience with your type of heating system.
Take advantage of tax credits and utility incentives.
Shopping for a replacement furnace in an emergency does not allow time to get fair market pricing. The design of your house and the size of your utility bills may be deciding factors. Generally, if you have a large house with high heating bills, it could be more cost-effective to purchase a high efficiency furnace now rather than wait for your present furnace to wear out.
If you decide to repair your furnace, look for a heating professional who has experience with your type of heating system.

37. 95% AFUE1 Furnace w/ Electrically Commutated Motor (ECM)
High efficiency furnaces, but poor electrical efficiency.
Air handlers can draw over 700 watts.
Efficient air handlers draw between 200 and 400 watts.
40% to 70% more efficient than standard furnaces.
1 – Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency

38. When Buying New Appliances
Check the EnergyGuide label.
Estimated yearly energy consumption and cost.
Your actual energy consumption and cost will vary.
Scale for comparison with other models.
Shop around and find an Energy Star model for the same price as a standard model.
Make sure you look at the EnergyGuide label. It shows the estimated yearly electricity consumption to operate the product along with a scale for comparison among similar products. The comparison scale shows the least and most energy used by comparable models.
The consumption figure printed on EnergyGuide labels, in kilowatt-hours (kWh), is based on average usage assumptions and your actual energy consumption may vary depending on the appliance usage.
The EnergyGuide label allows you to compare products.

39. Tax Incentives
Energy Policy Act of 2005 with many follow-on changes has energy efficiency incentives for existing homes.
Average home loses % of its energy through inadequate insulation and inefficient lights and appliances.
Energy bill offers consumers tax credits for making energy efficiency improvements in homes.
For 2011: cost-based credit to for energy improvements (limit $500):
10% up to $200 for Energy Star doors & windows.
10% up to $500 for insulation, duct sealing, and infiltration reduction.
30% up to $150 for furnace or hot water boiler.
30% up to $300 for any energy-efficient heat pumps, central air conditioners, and water heaters.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 includes provisions for energy efficiency tax incentives for existing homes. The average American home loses between 10 and 50 percent of its energy through inadequate insulation and inefficient lights and appliances. The energy bill offers consumers tax credits for making energy efficiency improvements in their homes.
Ten percent cost-based credit to homeowners for qualified energy improvements installed during the taxable year to a limit of $500:
$200 for windows.
$50 for advanced main air circulating fan.
$150 for furnace or hot water boiler.
$300 for any energy-efficient building property, including qualifying electric heat pump water heaters; electric heat pumps; geothermal heat pumps; central air conditioners; and natural base, propane, or oil water heaters.