Energy Saving Tips

 

Maintain air filters and HVAC equipment 

Well-maintained equipment runs more efficiently, so replace or clean filters as needed. Units that are overcharged or have low coolant levels will cost you more in the long run. Be sure to have your air conditioning unit serviced every 1-2 years. 
Click Here for Energy Audit Man Video on Air Filters and HVAC

Set your thermostat for efficiency

The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall heating or cooling bill will be. Setting your thermostat at the recommended temperature of 78°F instead of 72°F can save 6-18% on your cooling bill. For cold temperatures, set your heat at 68°F.
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Install a programmable thermostat

A programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for different time periods throughout the day. Once you program it, you won’t have to touch it again. The thermostat automatically resets according to your instructions

Plant trees or shrubs for shade 

A good landscaping plan can do wonders. For instance, properly placed trees around the house can save you between $100 and $250 annually on your electric bill. Plant deciduous trees that will grow high, spreading their branches over the south side of your house. On the west side, plant trees with lower crowns to block the afternoon sun

Mind your drapes

Keep your blinds, shades and curtains closed on the south and west-facing windows during the day to block the heat of direct sunlight during warmer months. In cold months, open these drapes to add the heat from the sun to your home

Stop conditioned air from escaping

Add weather-stripping on doors and windows, and caulk the cracks to keep conditioned air inside and outdoor air from leaking into your home
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Properly insulate your attic

Install recommended levels of insulation to lower heating and cooling costs. On warm days, attic temperatures can get up to 140°F
Click Here for an Energy Audit Man Video on Attic Insulation and Hatch Covers

Install ceiling fans

A ceiling fan can make a room feel 6 or 7 degrees cooler while using less energy than a 100-watt light bulb. Remember to only run fans only when people are present in the room; ceiling fans cool people, not the air.
Click Here for an Energy Audit Man Video on Ceiling Fans and Lighting

Go oven-less at meal time

Grill outside when possible in warmer months. When you need to prepare small portions of food, use the microwave, toaster or a counter-top grill, all of which use less energy than a full-sized oven.

Close fireplace dampers in winter

After extinguishing the fire in your fireplace, be sure to close the damper. Leaving the damper open creates a path for warm air to escape from your home.

Use energy efficient bulbs

Lighting accounts for about 13% of the average household’s electric bill. Using energy-efficient light bulbs, like CFLs and LEDs, will help save energy throughout the year.
Click Here for an Energy Audit Man Video on Ceiling Fans and Lighting

Avoid costly space heaters

Using space heaters to temper the air in a bathroom for a short period of time may be a good option, but using them to heat the entire house will cost you more than using a heat pump. The amount of energy you would use to run 2 space heaters could power a central heat pump large enough to heat an 1,800 sq.ft. home.

Wash clothes in cold water

40% of the energy used in washing comes from heating the water. Washing clothes in cold water will get your clothes clean at a lower cost.

 

For more information on how you can save energy in your home, contact Jonathan Stewart, our Energy Services Representative, to schedule a Home Energy Audit at no cost to you. To learn more, click here.