Home Energy Conservation Tips

Save resources and money -  and, if you do it right, you don’t have to be uncomfortable.

Seal Up Your Home

  • Insulate! We recommend R-38 (about 12 inches) in ceilings and R-19 (about 6 inches) in floors over unheated spaces Check:
    • The attic
    • Floors above unheated areas
    • Foundation walls
    • Outside walls
    • Walls next to unheated areas
  • Insulate ducts where they run through cold areas
  • Install storm windows and doors or use plastic sheeting
  • Weather-strip and caulk! Check for drafts around windows, door frames, foundation cracks, electrical outlets, etc.
  • Don’t block radiators and vents (including cold air returns) with furniture, drapes or rugs.
  • Insulated attics need proper ventilation so they can breathe.

Maintain Electrical Equipment

  • Maintain your heating and cooling system by replacing air filters often and doing regular maintenance.
  • Buy energy efficient appliances and use them efficiently.
  • Clean dust and lint away from appliances (heating/cooling unit, refrigerators, hot water heaters, etc.) on a regular basis so the motors run more efficiently.
  • When choosing new appliances, base your decision on what your needs are - don’t buy something too big for your needs.
  • Consider moving your extra refrigerator or freezer out of the garage to the basement and your appliance won’t have to work so hard to stay cool.
  • Make sure gaskets on the doors of refrigerators and stoves are tight.

Live an Energy Efficient Lifestyle

  • Light only the area where you are working, not the whole room.
  • Turn off lights and appliances when they are not being utilized.
  • Close vents in rooms that are not being used on a regular basis and close the door.
  • Run full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.
  • Choose a stove burner to fit the size of the pan you are using.

Cold Weather

  • Open window shades that receive direct sunlight during the day.
  • Close shades at night.
  • Set the thermostat at 68 degrees and lower the setting a few degrees at night, or when the home is unoccupied.
  • Wear layers of clothing and use extra blankets.
  • Keep fireplace chimney dampers closed when not using the fireplace.

Hot Weather

  • Leave window shades that receive direct sunlight down during the day.
  • Try to use the oven, dishwasher and other appliances that produce heat during the late evening and early morning.
  • Set the thermostat no lower than 78 degrees and turn it up a few degrees when the house is unoccupied.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes