Keep The Cold Out
Reducing air leaks could cut 10 percent from an average household’s monthly energy bill.
For example, consumers can:
- Seal leaks around doors, windows, and other openings such as pipes or ducts, with caulk or weather-stripping. The most
common places where air escapes in
homes are:
a.floors, walls, ceilings
b. ducts
c. fireplace
d. plumbing penetrations
e. doors
f. windows
g. fans and vents
h. electrical outlets | Use Energy Wisely - Set thermostats between 65 and 70 degrees during the winter, and at 58 degrees when away from the house for more than a few hours. Bear in mind that warmer temperatures are recommended for homes with ill or elderly persons or infants.
- Turn down thermostats automatically without sacrificing comfort by installing an automatic setback or programmable thermostat.
SAVINGS: Cut annual heating bills by as much as 10 percent per year by turning your thermostat back 10 percent to 15 percent for eight hours per day. - Change or clean furnace filters once a month during the heating season. Use receipt of your natural gas bill as a reminder.
- Warm air rises, so use registers to direct warm airflow across the floor.
- Close vents and doors in unused rooms and close dampers on unused fireplaces.
| 6. Set water heater temperatures at 120 degrees. This will allow a family to cut water heating bills without sacrificing comfort. 7. Install water-flow restrictors in showerheads
and faucets. 8. Place a sheet of aluminum foil between
the radiator and the wall to reflect heat
back into the room. 9. Run washing machines and clothes
dryers with a full load. 10. On sunny days, open draperies and blinds to let the sun’s warmth in. Close them at night to insulate against cold air outside.
Plan for Long-Term
Energy-Efficiency Improvements
X. Check to see if attic and basement have
the recommended levels of insulation.
Y. Check the heating system and replace old,
outdated appliances with high-efficiency
natural gas models. When buying new
appliances, compare energy efficiency
ratings and annual operating costs.
Z. Install storm or thermal windows and
doors or double-paned glass. A less
expensive alternative is plastic sheeting,
which can be temporarily fastened over
doors and windows to prevent drafts and
retain heat.
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