Heating and Cooling:
Typically 44% of your utility bill goes for heating and cooling. No matter what kind of system you have in your house, you can save money and increase comfort.
To reduce your heating and cooling costs:
• Clean or replace filters on furnaces once a month or as needed.
• Use kitchen, bath, and other ventilation fans wisely; in just 1 hour, these fans can pull out a houseful of warmed or cooled air. Turn fans off as soon as they have done the job.
• In the daytime during the heating season, you should keep the draperies and shades on your south-facing windows open to allow the sunlight to enter your home. During the cooling season, keep the window covering closed during the day to prevent solar gain.
• Select energy-efficient equipment when you buy new heating and cooling equipment. Look for the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR is a program developed by the US Dept. of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help consumers identify energy-efficient products and services.
• In the winter set your thermostat as low as is comfortable and as high as is comfortable in the summer.
• Use a programmable thermostat. You can save as much as 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills by simply turning back 10% - 15% for 8 hours.
Insulation Tips
• Consider factors such as your climate, building design, and budget when selecting the insulation R-value for your home.
• Use higher density insulation, such as rigid foam boards, in cathedral ceilings and on exterior walls.
• Ventilation plays a large role in providing moisture control and reducing summer cooling bills. Attic vents can be installed along the entire ceiling cavity to help ensure proper airflow from the soffit to the attic to make a home more comfortable and energy efficient.
• Recessed light fixtures can be a major source of heat loss, but you need to be careful how close you place insulation next to a fixture unless it is marked "I.C." Check your local building codes for recommendations.
• Follow the product instructions on installation and wear the proper protective wear when installing insulation.
Q: Should I insulate my home?
A: Yes, if you:
• Have an older home and haven't added insulation: in a recent survey, only 20% of homes built before 1980 were well insulated.
• Are uncomfortably cold in the winter or hot in the summer - adding insulation creates a more uniform temperature and increases comfort.
• Built a new house or addition, or installed new siding or roofing.
• Receive excessive energy bills.
• Are bothered by noise from the outdoors (insulation helps to muffle sound).
• Are concerned about the effect of energy use on the environment.
Energy Tips
