Save Energy, Save $$

Weatherization, behavioral changes and energy efficient products – help mitigate increasing costs of energy by lowering consumption.

Leaks:
Reducing drafts save you 5% to 30% on electric bills per year. To find leaks, close all windows/doors and turn on exhaust fans (usually located in kitchen and bathroom).


Below are leaky items and the % of energy waste they account for:

Electrical outlets (2%)
Plumbing (13%)
Window frames (10%)
Floors, ceilings, walls (31%)
Doors (11%)
Fireplace (14%)
Vents (4%)
Ducts (15%)

Seal any gaps you find with an expanding foam caulk or some other permanent sealant.


Insulation:
Homes built before 1980 may have inadequate insulation. Aside from walls, floors and foundation, your water heater, hot water pipes and furnace ducts should all be insulated with fiberglass insulation.


Lighting:
Energy for lighting accounts for about 10% of your electric bill. Examine wattage size of light bulbs in your house. You may have 100W bulbs where 60 or 75W would do. Consider compact fluorescent lights ($4 -$15), each bulb saves about $30 or more in electricity costs over its lifetime. Utilities may offer rebates for purchasing energy-efficient lamps.


Heating/AC
Set thermostat at hotter temp in summer or purchase a programmable one.