New DOE “Energy Saver” site gives tips on improving home energy efficiency

by Ryan Baldwin | September 26, 2012

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) knows that saving energy means saving money, and its new Energy Saver webpage demonstrates some of the easiest and most cost effective ways for consumers to improve household energy efficiency.

What kind of savings are we talking about? Well, the average American household spends $2,000 a year on energy costs, according to DOE. More than half of those costs come from heating and cooling your home.

But by taking a few simple steps to conserve energy, homeowners can save up to 30 percent on their energy bills.

Take insulation and air sealing, for example, which are enabled by the products of chemistry:

Chemistry also goes into innovative products that enable Americans to light their homes more efficiently, which saves energy, and saves money.

For instance, fluorescent light bulbs use 25-35 percent less energy and last 10 times longer than traditional bulbs, while LED light bulbs use 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than the traditional ones.

Take a look at DOE’s new Energy Saver page for more information on tips and products that can save energy, and visit www.chemistrytoenergy.com/energy-efficiency to learn how chemistry enables Americans to conserve energy — and cut back on costs — every day.