In previous posts we’ve discussed the benefits of Energy Audits and Retrofitting, and also detailed how to receive rebates and tax credits for making improvements and repairs. Although we still maintain that a professional energy audit is the best way to assess your home’s energy consumption and what measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient, there are many things you can do. Here is a short list of some basics that should help you save some money this winter.
Weatherization Tips
- Stop Drafts - According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drafts can waste 5% to 30% of your energy use.
- Change Furnace Filters - Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy demand.
- Run Fans in Reverse - Switching to clockwise makes it warmer because air pooled near the ceiling is circulated back into the living space – cutting your heating costs as much as 10%!
- Give your Heating System a Tune-up – Call an HVAC professional for this.
- Turn Down the Water Heater - Lowering the temperature to 120 degrees F (or lower) could reduce your water heating costs by 6% to 10%.
- Lower your Thermostat -For every degree you lower the thermostat during heating season, you’ll save between 1 and 3% of your heating bill. Make it easier with a programmable thermostat.
- Caulk and Weatherstrip - Simple leaks can sap home energy efficiency by 5% to 30% a year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Take a close look at places where two different building materials meet, such as corners, around chimneys, where pipes or wires exit and along the foundation.
- Boost Insulation – An Energy Audit and the use of a Thermal Imaging camera can help determine where insulation is deficient. Plus, receive tax credits and rebates! Once of our clients got $700 of her $1,100 insulation bill back from Avista.
- Insulate your Pipes - Pay less for hot water by insulating pipes. That can also help decrease the chance of pipes freezing, which can be disastrous. Check to see if your pipes are warm to the touch. If so, they are good candidates for insulation. (Use the same method to determine if your hot water heater would benefit from some insulation.)
- Seal your Ducts - Studies show 10% to 30% of heated (or cooled) air in an average system escapes from ducts. Therefore, it could pay to hire a professional HVAC technician to come out and test your duct system, and fix any problems.
- Close the Damper – When the fireplace is not in use, keep the flue damper tightly closed. A chimney is designed specifically for smoke to escape, so until you close it, warm air can escape 24 hours a day!
