Energy Saving Tips and Useful Information
Help Make the Planet GREENER by Reducing Your Energy Consumption!
Tips on how to save energy and lower your energy bill
Since heating & cooling of your home accounts for approximately 40% of your energy consumption, it only makes sense to start here. Here is what you can do to save money:
1. Use the right thermostat settings:
a. In summer time, set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible (78° or higher)
b. In winter time, set your thermostat as low as possible (70° or lower)
Note: You can also lower your thermostat setting during the night (in winter) and raise your thermostat setting when away from home (in summer). Or better yet, get a programmable thermostat to do it for you.
2. Install & use thick fabric curtains on your windows and patio doors
a. During the day in summer time, keep your curtains closed whenever possible to block the sun heat from penetrating through windows and glass doors.
b. During the night in winter time keep your curtains closed to prevent heat from escaping through the windows and patio doors.
3. Use wood stove, especially if you can get free firewood
Contrary to what most people say, burning wood will not increase carbon dioxide. Trees are renewable resource that are carbon-neutral. When trees grow, they absorb carbon dioxide, when they die, they release it. If you don't burn the wood, trees will still die, decompose and will eventually release carbon dioxide. Burning wood can significantly reduce your monthly bills in winter months and reduce the need for oil, gas and electric.
4. Planting shrubs and trees will help you save energy
Planting trees on south side of your home will create some shade and will help keeping your house cooler during hot summer days. Planting evergreen trees on north side of your home will help creating a barrier against strong winds.
5. Insulate your house and save energy
Insulating your house will decrease your energy consumption and save you money in long run. Do an energy audit and make sure that your attic, walls and basement are properly insulated. Many people don't realize that their basements and crawl spaces are not insulated and they loose heat through their crawl spaces.
Note: Our Home Weatherization Package includes inspection of your house for poorly insulated places and also an addition of Styrofoam sheet insulation to create an insulation envelope for your house. Did you know that by some estimates, up to 20% of heat is lost through your wall studs that are not insulated? Installing Styrofoam insulation on outside walls will insulate the studs and will help in keeping your house warmer during winter and cooler during summer.
6. Use Energy Star appliances, windows, doors, etc.
If you have decided to replace an old appliance or old windows, doors, etc., make sure to buy an appliance or windows with Energy Star label. You might spend a little more for energy-efficient appliances or windows, but in long run you will actually save even more. In addition, right now you can get a tax credit for most Energy Star appliances, windows, etc.
7. Make Sure Your Heating & Cooling System Operates Efficiently
Don't forget to change air filter in your heat pumps on regular basis to make sure your furnace operates efficiently. We recommend to replace your air filter twice a year (before heating & cooling seasons). Clogged and dirty air filters will cause operating efficiency to decline and operating costs to increase. The bottom line, make sure your heating/cooling system is well maintained.
8. Don't Fix Old Appliances - Replace Them!
Did you know that old appliances use significantly more energy to operate? For example if your refrigerator was built before year 2001, it uses at least 40% more energy to operate compared to new Energy Star models. See Energy Star website to read more.
Have more tips to save energy? Please let us know!