Energy Efficiency Tips

If you want a few energy efficiency tips that work try the following;

Heating and Cooling Tips

Set and use your programmable thermostat. Make the temperature as low as is comfortable in the winter and as high as is comfortable in the summer.

Clean the dust from warm air registers and make sure they are not blocked by furniture or drapes.

Turn off exhaust fans soon after you are finished cooking or bathing.

During the cold months use the sun to warm your home by keeping the drapes and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day. Also keep them closed at night to reduce the cold.

During the hot months, keep the window shades closed during the day to prevent the sun from heating the rooms.

Duct Tips

Check for leakage. See if any sections have separated, look for discoloring on the insulation around the ducts and see if there are any obvious holes. Use a tape mastic or butyl tape (not duct tape!) to seal holes on uninsulated ducting and low-expansion spray for insulated ducts.

A qualified professional should always perform repairs to a duct system. Faulty ducts can lead to carbon monoxide (CO) issues.

Energy Efficiency Tips for Sealing Air Leaks

Feel for drafts or use an incense stick to check windows, doors, pipes, electrical outlets, ceiling fixtures and attic hatches to test for air leaks. Caulk and weatherstrip where necessary.

Install foam gaskets behind electrical outlets and switch panels.

When your fireplace is not in use keep the flue damper closed.

Use a kitchen exhaust fan cover to keep air from leaking in when the exhaust fan is switched off.

Use pliable sealing gaskets on the bottom of doors to eliminate conditioned air from leaking out.

Water Tips

Repair leaky faucets.

Lower the temperature setting on your water heater to under 120.

Insulate your hot water storage tank and the first 6 feet of both hot and cold water pipes.

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