Home Energy Audit & Reduction — FarmPal

Before adding renewable energy, reduce your energy needs by 50-70%. Efficiency is always cheaper than generation. A thorough energy audit reveals where your energy goes and how to slash consumption.

Principles

  • The cheapest kilowatt-hour is the one you don't use
  • Insulation and air sealing are the highest ROI energy investments
  • LED lighting uses 75% less energy than incandescent
  • Efficient refrigeration (modern fridge vs old) saves 500+ kWh/year
  • Phantom loads (standby power) waste 5-10% of household electricity
  • Propane for cooking and heating is more efficient than electric resistance

Action steps

  1. Conduct a load audit

    Use a Kill-A-Watt meter to measure every device. List watts × hours/day = Wh/day. Sum all loads. Typical US home: 30 kWh/day. Efficient homestead: 5-10 kWh/day.

  2. Eliminate phantom loads

    Use power strips with switches for electronics. Unplug chargers when not in use. Smart strips auto-cut standby power. This alone saves 5-10%.

  3. Upgrade lighting and appliances

    Replace all bulbs with LED. Upgrade to Energy Star fridge, chest freezer (more efficient than upright), and front-load washer. Consider propane for cooking and water heating.

  4. Insulate and seal

    Attic insulation to R-38+. Air seal around windows, doors, outlets, and penetrations. This reduces heating/cooling loads by 30-50%. Cheapest energy investment.

  5. Size your renewable system to reduced needs

    After efficiency upgrades, your solar/wind system will be 50-70% smaller and cheaper. Efficiency first, generation second.

Benefits

  • Reduces energy bills 50-70% before any renewables
  • Makes renewable systems smaller and cheaper
  • Pays for itself in months, not years
  • Increases comfort and home value
  • Foundation for energy independence

Further reading

  • Home Energy Saver (energy.gov calculator)
  • Kill-A-Watt meter ($25 best investment)
  • Local utility may offer free energy audits