Energy Saving Tips

1. Seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes or ducts with caulk or other weather stripping.  The most common places where air escapes are:
• Floors, Walls, Ceilings
• Ducts
• Fireplace
• Plumbing Penetrations
• Doors
• Windows
• Fans & Vents
• Electric Outlet
  
2. Set thermostats between 65 and 70 degrees during the winter and at 58 degrees when you are away from your home more than a few hours.  While sleeping, add an extra blanket for warmth.  Bear in mind that warmer temperatures are recommended for homes with ill or elderly persons or infants.
   
3. Turn down thermostats instantly without sacrificing comfort by installing an automatic setback or programmable thermostat.
   
4. Change or clean furnace filters once a month.  Furnaces consume less with the breathe more easily. Use your monthly gas statement for a reminder.
   
5. Close vents and doors on unused rooms.  Close dampers on unused fireplaces.
   
6. Adequate insulation in your attic, ceiling, floors and walls can save you up to 30% on annual heating bills.  For more information on your geographical area recommendations, visit www.simplyinsulate.com.
   
7. Insulate heating ducts and keep them in good repair.
   
8. When replacing appliances, look for Energy Star labeled products. Find retailers near you at www.energystar.gov.
   
9. Install storm windows over single-pane windows or replace them with double-pane windows with low-emission (low-e) coating. Storm windows reduce heat loss by 25 to 50 percent, and storms with low-e coating that reflects heat back into the room during the winter months save even more energy. In cold climates, low-e windows can reduce your heating bills by 36 percent compared to uncoated, single-pane windows, according to the Efficient Windows Collaborative (www.efficientwindows.org).
   
10. Open curtains on your south facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows