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Energy Efficiency
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Check out these links and begin saving around your home.
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| Ways To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient |
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Air Infiltration
• Tighten and weather-strip old windows and then add storm windows
• Seal around pipe penetration coming through walls.
• When your fireplace is not operating, its flue should be closed tightly, with a sign hanging from the flue handle warning it is closed.
• Drop-down, disappearing stairways should fit tightly into the ceiling and be carefully weather-stripped.
• Whole-house attic fans should be sealed tightly during the winter.
Water Heaters
• Make sure your water heater is set at the lowest point. Try setting it to 120º.
• Try washing clothes with warm water and rinsing with cold water.
• Overfilling your washer can increase your energy use.
• If your water heater is located in an unconditioned space, install a thermal wrap around it. Take care to install it in accordance with the tank and wrap manufacturers' instructions.
Dryers
• Don't over-dry your clothes. If 50 minutes works, don't set it to 70 minutes.
• Make sure to clean the inside lint filter before each drying cycle.
• Periodically check your flexible metal dryer vent hose to ensure it is still tightly connected and not kinked.
Refrigeration
• Make sure refrigerator and freezer seals fit tightly when doors close.
• Keep outside coils clean. Dirty coils make your refrigerator compressor work longer to remove heat.
• Setting your freezer below 0º uses extra energy.
• Setting your refrigerator below 37º uses extra energy.
Heating & Air Conditioning
• Try to keep your thermostat at 68º in the winter and 75º in the summer.
• Heating & cooling systems should be checked to verify they are moving the correct amount of air. An HVAC technician can tell you if it is.
• Heat pump and air conditioning systems should be checked annually to verify they are properly charged, strictly in accordance with manufacturers' guidelines.
• Inside and outside coils should be kept clean and free of debris.
• Gas furnaces should be tuned for maximum combustion efficiency.
• Return filters should be changed monthly.
• Have an HVAC technician check carefully for duct leaks. Leaks that are found should be sealed with fiberglass mesh and mastic sealant.
Lighting
• Don't leave on unnecessary lights
• Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). They use a fraction of the wattage, last much longer and give off less heat.
• When you finish cooking, turn off the kitchen lighting and the range exhaust fan. |
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For more information on energy efficiency, visit:
dougrye.com
energystar.gov
www.doe.gov/energyefficiency
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