# Reducing Home Energy Part of the Sustainability Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/sustainability/guide/index.md) *5. Energy & Resources* > **5c.** List five ways you and your family could reduce energy consumption in your home, such as adjusting your thermostat, window shades, opening windows, reducing hot-water temperature, and minimizing water consumption. Identify the benefits and risks of each idea and implement if possible. ## Practical Energy Reductions This requirement goes beyond just identifying energy use — it asks you to propose real changes, weigh the pros and cons, and actually try implementing some of them. Here are strategies to consider, along with their benefits and risks. ### 1. Adjust Your Thermostat **What to do:** Lower the thermostat 2–3°F in winter and raise it 2–3°F in summer. Use a programmable thermostat to reduce heating/cooling when nobody is home or everyone is asleep. **Benefits:** - Saves 5–10% on heating and cooling costs per degree adjusted - Reduces greenhouse gas emissions from energy generation - No cost to implement **Risks:** - Family members may feel uncomfortable at first (bodies adjust in a few days) - In extreme climates, setting the thermostat too low in winter could risk frozen pipes ### 2. Use Window Shades Strategically **What to do:** In summer, close blinds and curtains on sun-facing windows during the hottest part of the day. In winter, open south-facing curtains during the day to let sunlight warm the room, then close them at night to insulate. **Benefits:** - Reduces cooling costs by up to 33% in summer - Free solar heating in winter - No cost to implement with existing curtains **Risks:** - Rooms may feel darker with curtains closed - Requires daily attention to open and close at the right times ### 3. Reduce Hot-Water Temperature **What to do:** Lower your water heater temperature from the default 140°F to 120°F. Most households will not notice the difference. **Benefits:** - Saves 4–22% on water heating costs - Reduces the risk of scalding burns (especially important for young children) - Slows mineral buildup in the water heater, extending its life **Risks:** - Water may feel slightly less hot in the shower (most people adjust quickly) - Dishwashers may need a booster heater if they require higher temperatures (most modern ones have built-in heaters) > **Safety First!** > > Have a parent or guardian adjust the water heater temperature. The water heater may be gas or electric and located in a utility closet, basement, or garage. Never attempt to service a gas water heater yourself — there are risks of gas leaks and burns. ### 4. Switch to LED Lighting **What to do:** Replace incandescent and CFL bulbs with LED bulbs throughout your home. **Benefits:** - LEDs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs - They last 25 times longer (about 25,000 hours) - They produce less heat, which slightly reduces cooling costs in summer **Risks:** - Higher upfront cost per bulb (though the savings pay for themselves within months) - Some people prefer the warmer color of incandescent light (LEDs now come in warm tones too) ### 5. Open Windows for Natural Ventilation **What to do:** On mild days, turn off the AC and open windows to let fresh air circulate. Use window fans to create cross-ventilation. **Benefits:** - Zero energy cost for cooling - Improves indoor air quality with fresh air circulation - Reduces wear on your HVAC system **Risks:** - Not practical on very hot, very cold, or very humid days - May let in pollen (a concern for allergy sufferers) - Security considerations — do not leave ground-floor windows open when away ### 6. Unplug "Vampire" Electronics **What to do:** Many devices draw power even when turned off — this is called "phantom" or "vampire" power. Unplug chargers, gaming consoles, TVs, and small appliances when not in use, or use a power strip with an on/off switch. **Benefits:** - Saves 5–10% on your electricity bill - Reduces unnecessary energy waste - Power strips make it easy — one switch cuts power to multiple devices **Risks:** - Inconvenience of unplugging and replugging devices - Some devices (like DVRs or smart home hubs) need constant power to function properly ### 7. Air-Dry Clothes **What to do:** Use a clothesline or drying rack instead of the dryer, especially in warm weather. **Benefits:** - Clothes dryers are one of the most energy-hungry appliances in your home - Air-drying is gentler on fabrics, making clothes last longer - Zero energy cost **Risks:** - Takes longer than machine drying (plan ahead) - Weather-dependent for outdoor drying - May not be allowed by HOA rules in some communities (though many states have "right to dry" laws) > **Did You Know?** > > "Vampire" electronics waste enough energy across the U.S. to power 11 million homes for a year. That is like leaving a light bulb on in every room of your house 24/7 — just from devices you think are "off." ## Implementing Your Changes Pick at least two or three changes that you can actually implement in your home. Track the results if possible: - Compare your electric or gas bill before and after the changes - Note which changes your family adopted easily and which ones they resisted - Record any unexpected benefits (like better sleep with a cooler bedroom) > **Tip** > > Create a simple chart listing your five ideas, their benefits, their risks, and whether you implemented them. This gives you a clear, organized way to present the information to your counselor. ![A Scout adjusting a programmable thermostat on a wall, with an LED bulb overhead and a window with natural light streaming in](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-800/mbu-assets/merit-badges/sustainability/guide/energy-saving-home?v=db8a0bf2) [Energy Saver Guide — U.S. Department of Energy](https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver): Comprehensive tips for saving energy at home, from heating and cooling to appliances and lighting. Video: [How to Reduce Energy Consumption in Your Home](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKcfc2WXIWY) --- - Previous: [Family Energy Use](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/sustainability/guide/req5b/index.md) - Next: [Needs vs. Wants](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/sustainability/guide/req6a/index.md)