Install a programmable thermostat to keep your house
warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120F°.
Regularly change (or clean if reusable) your HVAC
filters to not only save money, but improve your indoor
air quality.
Plug home electronics, such as computers, monitors, TVs
and DVD players into power strips and turn the power
strips off when the equipment is not in use. (Even in
standby mode, they still use several watts of power)
Comfort is a function of temperature, humidity, and air
movement. Moving air can make a somewhat higher
temperature and/or humidity feel comfortable. Utilize
your home’s ceiling fans or box fans to keep air moving
and save on your energy bills.
Sealing and properly insulating duct work can help
reduce energy costs and prevent air leakage. This is
especially important when ducts run through
unconditioned spaces (attic, crawl spaces, etc.).
Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes, it uses the
same amount of energy and water.
Upgrading your current HVAC system with a newer, more
efficient model will help your energy usage. It is also
important that a qualified contractor
properly sizes the equipment and ductwork. |
|
Keep your HVAC system running as efficiently as possible
with annual preventive maintenance.
Make sure your air conditioning system has a proper
refrigerant charge. A qualified HVAC technician will
check this as part of your system’s routine maintenance
and make any necessary adjustments.
Take showers instead of baths.
Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying
cycle.
Drive sensibly. Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid
acceleration and braking) wastes gasoline.
Buy only appliances and products with the ENERGY STAR®
label.
Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) with the
ENERGY STAR® label.
Use your home’s window treatments (blinds, curtains,
etc.) to help control the sun’s effect on your indoor
temperature. Depending on your home’s exposure to
sunlight, opening your window treatments in the winter,
and shutting them in the summer will let nature do some
of the work.
Turn up your humidifier in the winter. Properly
humidified air "feels" warmer than dry air so you’ll be
able to turn your thermostat down a couple of degrees
without affecting your comfort level. |
