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Conduct and Communications

6a. Conservation strategies

There are two ways for your clients to save money on the utility bills.

Conservation methods - are things like putting on a sweater in the winter rather than turning up the thermostat and using more energy, using ceiling fans to stay cool, turning up the thermostat while away from the home during the summer. These are things that a homeowner has to change in their lifestyle to save energy.
Efficiency methods - what we have discussed in all the previous sections for things like insulation levels, insulation misalignment, duct leakage, air leakage, moisture intrusion, etc. The key to these are that the homeowner does not have to change a thing about their lifestyle but they will still have energy.

Neither conservation methods or efficiency methods are worse than one another and it is your job as an energy auditor know recognize when to push conservation or efficiency methods depending on each client and their lifestyle.

Here are some of the biggest impact conservation strategies I've found for homeowners.

Check the timer on a re-circulation hot water heater pump to make sure it is not on all day long (and off during peak hours).
Check the timer on the pool pump to make sure it is off during peak hours.
Install a smart power strip to the entertainment center.
Install a programmable thermostat and program correctly for each homeowner's schedule.
Turn off lights and ceiling fans when not in rooms

6a. Conservation strategies

Understand benefit for ENERGY STAR labeled lights and appliances – Appliances are labeled with the operating costs and are 10-50% more energy efficient than standard appliances. Energy Star appliances use less energy and improve quality and life. Energy Star lights are safer because they are cooler to touch, more efficient, and create better comfort not giving off as much heat as a standard bulb.
Understand impact on load associated with lighting and appliance retrofits