Transcribe NRG

Approach

1. Transcribe your annual energy expenditures and compare to the average homeowner. First, look at the amount that you spent on energy over the past 12 months. Then compare that to the amount that the average homeowner spends per year. If you currently spend more than average, that just means that you will be able to save more money per year by performing the recommended tasks presented on this site. If you currently spend less than average, you are living in a more energy efficient house but still may find recommended tasks that have not yet been performed on your house. How do you determine how much you spend on energy compared to the average homeowner? A good place to start is to consider how much energy costs for your house compared to the average house. According to data compiled by the U.S. Department of Energy, energy use for the average US family of four spends approximately $2,400 per year based on an average size home of 2,000 square feet, which is $1.20 per square foot per year. Energy cost for the three energy use categories is approximately: $1,128, or 47%, per year for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning); $840, or 35%, per year for MEL (Miscellaneous Electric Load), which includes appliances, lighting and everything else that uses energy in your home (excluding space heating, space cooling and water heating); and $432, or 18%, per year for DHW (domestic hot water). Of course, average energy costs vary across the country based on utility rates, climate and usage habits.If your home is larger or small than 2000 square feet or you have more or less than 4 people in your house, then your estimated energy costs will increase or decrease proportionately.

2. Perform the N-now tasks first.The N-now tasks are proven methods to reduce energy consumption quickly and they can be performed by many homeowners without professional help. Note: you can hire a local handyman if you want assistance.

N-now HVAC tasks:
Control Air Leakage
Seal/Insulate Ducts
Install/Increase Attic Insulation
Install Programmable Thermostats

N-now MEL tasks:
Replace Incandescent Lighting with Fluorescent or LED Lighting
Install Photo-Controls for Exterior Lighting
Replace Old Fluorescent Lighting with New Fluorescent or LED Lighting
Install Energy Monitoring Devices (Smart Plugs)

N-now DHW tasks:
Install Water-Efficient Showerheads and Faucet Aerators
Insulate Hot Water Tanks and Pipes
Convert Laundry to Cold Rinse

3. Evaluate and perform the R-reasearch tasks that make sense for your home. The R-research tasks are proven energy reduction techniques that may require a little research to determine if they are good applications for your particular house (based on geographical location, utility rate and other house specific details). Note: depending on your experience/knowledge/desire to learn, this site, other energy websites and/or energy professionals can be used to help you evaluate the R-research tasks.

R-research HVAC tasks:
Shade Windows; Upgrade/Replace Windows/Doors
Increase Roof/Wall/Floor Insulation
Replace HVAC Equipment/System

R-research MEL tasks:
Replace Older Refrigerators with High-Efficiency Units
Install Energy and Water-Efficient Clothes Washers and Dryers
Install Lighting Controls
Upgrade Exterior Lighting Fixtures
Install a Whole House Electricity Monitor

R-research DHW tasks:
Install Hot Water Off-Peak Controls
Replace Inefficient Water Heating Equipment or Systems
Install Condenser Heat-Recovery Equipment

4. Evaluate and perform the G-green tasks that make sense for your home. Like the N-now and R-research tasks, G-green tasks help the environment. However, G-green tasks are often more expensive to implement and do not always make financial sense. Note: additional research and/or professional help is recommended for all G-green tasks.

G-green HVAC tasks:
Install Solar Powered/Assisted Air Conditioner
Install Solar Powered/Assisted Heat Pump

G-green MEL tasks:
Install Photovoltaic Panels or Solar Singles
Install Condenser Heat Recovery or Solar Pool Heater

G-green DHW task:
Install Solar Water Heater System