Energy-Saving Tips

Simple things to check at the beginning of each heating season:

  • Make sure that your attic hatch is closed; crawl and basement access doors also.
  • Check to be sure that all upper sash and self storing storm windows are in the fully closed position and that any locks are engaged.
  • Make sure that fireplace dampers are closed when not in use.
  • Follow-up after the “cable guy” (or electrician, plumber, etc.) to make sure insulation was put back and that they did not disconnect a duct or the like.
  • Open heating system registers and move anything covering them like carpets or furniture.

During cold periods:

  • Use a rolled bath towel or “draft snake” inside leaky door bottoms.
  • Utilize drapes or heavy curtains to your advantage; open them when the sun shines, close them when it doesn’t.
  • Run exhaust fans only when needed.

Easy, no-cost things to do:

  • Turn your thermostat down when you are away or sleeping.
  • Turn water heater temperature down to 120 O F.
  • Reduce consumption of hot water by washing more laundry in cold water, rinse dishes in colder water, take shorter showers…etc.
  • Clean clothes dryer lint traps and dryer outlet pipes; they must exhaust outdoors.

Easy, low-cost things to do:

  • Clean or replace your furnace filter.
  • Convert light bulbs to compact fluorescent; highest use locations first.
  • Install shrink-wrap interior storm window kits on leaky windows.
  • Plug holes and utility penetrations with foam in a can.
  • Caulk leaky interior edges along baseboards, window trim, etc.
  • Replace broken or missing receptacle and switch covers and install child-proof plugs.

Moderate cost things for do-it-yourselfers:

  • Install a set-back thermostat.
  • Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators.
  • Install a water heater tank wrap IF you have an older, fiberglass insulated unit.
  • Insulate hot water pipes in unconditioned areas.
  • Insulate ducts in unconditioned areas.
  • Perform attic air sealing and then add insulation up to R-38.
  • Install proper door latches to keep doors closed securely.

Moderate-cost things that may require a contractor:

  • Attic air sealing
  • Attic insulation
  • Exterior wall insulation
  • Furnace clean and tune-up
  • Air flow verification for the duct system
  • Duct sealing

We’ve analyzed actual energy consumption before and after the installation of these various measures. These things are proven energy savers.