Seal duct work. This is the number one
way to conserve energy. Make sure that all ductwork is sealed at joints and
intersections with duct sealer or silicone caulk. Otherwise, supply ductwork
can leak heated air into the attic or crawl space, and outside air can be
drawn into the return ductwork, increasing costs and reducing comfort dramatically.
Ducts can be sealed using foil-backed tape or silicon caulking. View a video on this topic.
Seal air leaks. Seal all holes from pipes
and wires that enter/exit the living space. This includes entrances, pull-downs
and attic stair openings, light fixtures, pipes and wires. Attic entryways
should be weather stripped and insulated. View a video on this topic.
Seal off fireplaces. Never use a fireplace
as a heat source for your home. Even as a supplemental heat source, the
cold air introduced to a warm home through an open flue isn't as efficient
as sealing off a fireplace and using the primary source of heat. For natural
gas fireplaces, turn off the pilot light when not in use. Seal off the fireplace
area or the flue area to prevent cold air from leaking in. (Note: Building
codes in some areas require that the damper in your chimney to be permanently
blocked open if you install gas logs. Please check the building code for
your area for the appropriate procedure.) View a video on this topic.
Lower thermostat. In the winter, set the thermostat between 65 and 70 degrees during the day and to 58 degrees at night or when away from home for several hours. If you have a heat pump, make sure to slowly increase the temperature to avoid running the emergency heat. View a video on this topic.
Lower water heater to 120-125 degrees. Many water heaters are automatically set at 140 degrees. Lowering the temperature
on your water heater to between 120 and 125 degrees will reduce the amount
of fuel needed to heat the water. View a video on this
topic.
Change furnace filters every month. This
is the number one reason for furnace breakdowns. Inspect heating and cooling
equipment annually, or as recommended by the manufacturer. Have a professional
check and clean furnaces once a year. View a video on this
topic.
Weatherstrip doors and windows. Inspect
windows and doors for air leaks. If you can see daylight around a door or
window frame, then the door or window needs sealing. Air leaks can be sealed
with caulking or weather-stripping. View a video on this
topic.
Insulate water pipes coming from the water heater. Insulate the first 3- to 6-feet of cold and hot water pipes near the water
heater. Insulating all hot water pipes is not necessary where pipes are located
in a crawlspace or attic. View a video on this topic.
Add an insulation blanket to water heater. Wrapping the water heater with an insulation blanket can save heating money
by slowing the drop in temperature from the hot water tank as it sits unused.
Inexpensive insulation kits are available at most home improvement stores. View a video on this topic.
Add insulation to attic. When adding insulation,
start at the top and work down only after eliminating air infiltration. View a video on this topic.
