How to Much You Save on Various Energy-Saving Items

Note: I've updated this post to make it clear that the cost numbers below are extra costs above purchasing "regular" energy-related items.

Ever wonder how much certain "energy savers" would actually save you? Well, this piece from Kiplinger gives some details on the most common energy savers and what you're likely to save by using them. They include the cost of the energy saver itself (the additional cost beyond that of standard replacement equipment) and the annual savings associated with it, then give the payback period to re-coup the investment. Their findings:

• Programmable thermostat: Cost - $40; Annual Savings - $100; Payback - 5 months

• Compact fluorescent bulbs: Cost - $30; Annual Savings - $50; Payback - 7 months

• Furnace: Cost - $500; Annual Savings - $400; Payback - 1 year, 4 months

• Clothes washer: Cost - $300; Annual Savings - $50; Payback - 6 years

• Windows: Cost - $600; Annual Savings - $90; Payback -6 years, 6 months

• Central air conditioner (in southern US): Cost - $400; Annual Savings - $35; Payback - 11 years, 5 months

A few thoughts on this from me:

1. We love our programmable thermostat and I'm convinced it's saved us a ton of money. We set it to heat/cool the house when we're there and to do much less when we're not (or when we're asleep.) For example, in the winter our heater keeps the temperature to 68 degrees until about 11 pm. Then it switches to 62 degrees while we're asleep under the covers. then it kicks on about 5:30 am and heats the house up -- just in time for me to get up at 6 am. It helps us in a similar manner in the summer (though it's cool at night and warmer in the day -- when we're mostly outside anyway) and on vacations (mostly low settings while we're gone and returning to normal a couple hours before we arrive home.) It's been a great investment for us.

2. We have used a few compact fluorescent bulbs but they haven't made it throughout the whole house yet. The couple-second delay/flickering when the come on has been hard to deal with.

3. I was surprised at how quickly an upgraded furnace paid off. It would probably have even a faster pay-off in a cold weather climate like mine (Michigan.)

Comments

[Rick]

Does a new furnace really only cost $500? My dad's furnace had to be replaced this past winter, and I'm pretty sure he told me it cost $2400.

[FMF]

Rick --

The costs are the difference between a "regular" furnace and an energy-efficient one.

[Patrick]

Like you, I have the CFL's but haven't gotten them into every room of hte house yet. I don't mind the flicker too much.

[Rich McBride]

How do you properly disppose of the compact florescent bulbs?

[cory]

According to the article, that $500 is the DIFFERENCE in cost of a new Energy Star Compliant Furnace vs. a new run-of-the-mill furnace. The same holds true for the "Savings" figures.

[ron]

I bought some cheapo CFs from Ikea that flicker/delay. Later I bought some nicer ones at Home Depot that don't and are brighter too.

[Dave]

Use a James Washer and save even more.

Fans which help circulate hot/cool air are also important.

[segfault]

A new A/C unit takes over 11 years to pay off? Most of the time they don't even last 11 years!

[Dus10]

I spent $45 to outfit my whole house (went through Sam's Club and bought in bulk). I save about $15/month compared to previous usage. I started with the most used lights, which include the kitchen and restroom, as we have lots of windows.

[Traciatim]

Here is something interesting. If everyone gets a programmable thermostat and all their heaters come on between 6-7AM for waking up, won't that blow transformers. Kind of like when the power goes off for an extended period they ask everyone to turn their heat down/off when it comes back on and then go around to each room turning it on one at a time to avoid the large spike in usage.

I've got CFLs in my hallway, my spot lights, and anywhere wehere quality light is not needed. Though in my living room, office, kitchen, bathroom, and actually even bedrooms we use incandescant. The light is better for reading, working, and just general seeing.

I know CFLs keep getting better, but you can't throw them out and their light just isn't quite 'right'. It's hard to explain, but you can usually tell when you walk in to my hallways vs my regular rooms exactly where the CFLs are lighting.

[gp]

What does the window price refer to? Is that for one window? What size?