Household Energy Descent Plan — FarmPal

Systematically reduce household energy consumption by 50-70% before investing in renewable generation. Prioritizes behavioral changes, efficiency upgrades, and thermal mass strategies that work in any climate zone and housing type.

Principles

  • Energy conservation is 5-10× cheaper per kWh than energy generation
  • Heating and cooling account for 50-60% of residential energy focus here first
  • A well-insulated home needs 60-80% less heating/cooling energy
  • Passive solar design principles (thermal mass, south glazing, overhangs) work in retrofits too
  • Cooking accounts for 5-10% of energy efficient cookstoves, haybox cooking, and solar ovens reduce this dramatically
  • Most households can cut energy use 30% with zero-cost behavioral changes alone

Action steps

  1. Conduct a comprehensive energy audit

    Use a Kill-A-Watt meter on every device. Map all energy flows: electricity (kWh/month), gas (therms), propane (gallons), wood (cords). Identify the top 5 energy consumers these are your priorities. Average US household uses 10,500 kWh electricity + 600 therms gas/year.

  2. Implement zero-cost behavioral changes

    Thermostat setback (68°F day, 60°F night saves 10-15%). Line-dry laundry (saves 500+ kWh/year). Cook with lids on (40% less energy). Batch oven cooking. Unplug phantom loads (saves 5-10%). Cold water laundry (saves 90% of laundry energy).

  3. Invest in building envelope improvements

    Air sealing (caulk, weatherstrip, spray foam around penetrations) is the highest-ROI upgrade. Attic insulation to R-49+. Window insulation film or cellular shades. Door sweeps. These reduce heating/cooling loads 30-50% with 1-3 year payback.

  4. Add thermal mass and passive solar elements

    South-facing windows with thermal mass (water jugs, tile floor, masonry wall) capture and store solar heat. External overhangs or deciduous trees provide summer shade. Thermal curtains reduce nighttime heat loss 25-40%.

Benefits

  • Reduces energy bills 50-70%
  • Makes renewable energy systems 50-70% smaller and cheaper
  • Increases comfort through better insulation and air sealing
  • Builds resilience against energy price volatility and outages
  • Most improvements have 1-5 year payback periods

Further reading

  • Energy Efficiency Handbook Krigger & Dorsi
  • Passive Solar Design Guidelines US DOE
  • The Resilient Farm and Homestead Ben Falk
  • Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (dsireusa.org)