TOP 20 THINGS TO LOOK FOR TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME'S ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The following list is designed to help you maximize your home’s energy efficiency. These recommendations should assist you in concentrating your efforts to areas of the home where you may be experiencing the most energy loss or may see the most improvement.

• Inspect Your HVAC System
  Having your heating and cooling system inspected by a licensed HVAC contractor every six months will keep the system in top condition for the next season of use.

• Improve Ductwork
  Use mastic at all joints and around the main unit to insure there are no leaks of conditioned air. Straighten ducts that are bent and restricting air flow.

• Set Thermostat - Incentive available!
  For summer use, a setting of 78 degrees is recommended; for winter use, a setting of 68 degrees is recommended. Use of ceiling fans to circulate the conditioned air will improve comfort within the home.

• Operate Your Thermostat Efficiently
  The use of the heating and air conditioning system fan, or an "ON" setting, can cause increased energy usage due to the size (horsepower) of the motor and the amount of time it runs. Instead, set your thermostat to the "AUTO" setting for energy efficiency.

• Keep Vents Clear
  All supply and return vents should be open and unobstructed throughout the home to maximize the efficiency of the system.

• Limit Space Heater Usage
  If space heaters are needed in a particular part of the home, limit their usage as much as possible to keep total heating costs down.

• Set Water Heater
  A setting of 120 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended for electric water heaters.  Click Here for information on choosing a new water heater.

• Check Elements
  Have the element(s) checked in your water heater to make sure they have not burned out causing the unit to operate more than necessary.

• Stop Leaks
  Make sure there are no leaks in the water heater tank, lines, or faucets in your home, especially on the hot water side. This can cause your water heater to cycle more than necessary.

• Cold Water Rinse
  Wash laundry in cold or warm water and always rinse in cold water. The temperature of the rinse does not affect the cleanliness of the clothes.

• Insulation - Incentive available!
  Blown-in insulation in the attic should be at least 12-14 inches deep or 10 inches of batt insulation. Use a regular ruler to measure the depth of your attic insulation. Click HERE for Energy Efficiency Insulation.

• Proper Ventilation - Incentive available!
  Your attic should have sufficient high and low ventilation. Vents should not be covered or shut in the winter and a setting of 110 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended for power ventilators.

• Caulking
  Seal any cracks/gaps/crevices around all windows, doors, foundation and base plate.

• Foam Sealant
  Seal around all plumbing pipes in the kitchen and bathrooms.

• Lights Out
  Turn off all lights/fans in unoccupied rooms. If you use floodlights at night, be sure to turn them off in the morning or install dawn-to-dusk photocell controlled fixtures.

• Placement of Refrigerators/Freezers
  Additional refrigerators and freezers should be placed in a conditioned area or an area of moderate temperature (i.e. – basement or utility room). Warmer temperature areas will cause the units to run more than necessary (i.e. – garages, outbuildings, or next to heat producing appliances).

• Load, Not Over-Load
  Make your refrigerators/freezers operate more efficiently by filling them. If the unit is not full, fill gallon-size milk containers with water and place in unused areas.

• Avoid Prolonged Openings
  Open refrigerator/freezer doors only when necessary. It takes about 30 minutes for a refrigerator to cool down to its normal temperature after being opened for 30 seconds.

• Interior Shading
  Use blinds, tinting, or drapes to block the heat from the summer sun.

• Exterior Shading
  Planting trees/shrubs, window/door awnings, or special window/glass films will help to block direct sun in the summer.

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