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Save Energy, Save Money
Your home uses energy all day, every day. It keeps you warm in the winter,
gives light, heats water, and runs your appliances. Save money with these
recommendations from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Home Energy Audits
A home energy audit is the first step. Pinpoint where you are losing
energy. Professional energy auditors have special equipment to measure leaks and
spot inefficiency. You can perform a simple energy audit yourself.
Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audits
Keep a checklist of areas you inspect. Prioritize efficiency changes.
1. Air Leaks
Look for obvious air leaks (drafts). Reducing drafts may save 5 to 30% a
year. Check to see if air can flow through these places:
Inside
- Windows and doors (if you can rattle them or see daylight
around the frame you probably need new caulking or weather stripping.)
- Electrical outlets
- Switch plates
- Window frames
- Baseboards
- Weather stripping around doors
- Fireplace dampers
- Attic hatches
- Wall- or window-mounted air conditioners.
Outside
- Inspect areas where two different building materials meet:
exterior corners, siding and chimneys, and around the foundation.
- Plug and caulk holes or for faucets, pipes, electric
outlets, and wiring.
- Seal cracks and holes in mortar, foundation, and siding.
- Check exterior caulking around doors and windows.
CAUTION: In homes where a fuel is burned (i.e., natural gas, fuel oil,
propane, or wood) for heating, be certain the appliance has an adequate air
supply. When in doubt, contact your local utility company, energy professional,
or ventilation contractor.
2. Insulation
Heat can be lost through the ceiling and walls. When your house was
built, the builder likely installed the amount of insulation recommended at that
time. If you have an older home, have an inspector check the insulation.
Seal gaps around pipes, ductwork, and chimneys.
3. Heating/Cooling Equipment
Check filters and replace as needed – usually once a month. Have a
professional check and clean equipment every year. Set your thermostat
comfortably low in the winter and comfortably high in the summer. Install a
programmable thermostat.
4. Lighting
Energy for lighting is 5-10% of your electric bill. Examine the wattage size
of light bulbs. You may have 100-watt bulbs where 60 watts would do. Use
the lowest watts for the amount of light needed. Consider compact
fluorescent lamps for lights you use often.
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