Things To Know About Weatherization
- According to the EPA, installing a programmable thermostat can save you $150 a year or more. Setting the thermostat to 78F (26C) in the summer and 70F (21C) in winter will optimize your savings. For every degree you lower (or raise) the temperature, the energy costs rise by 6%.
- Install a ceiling fan above the area where you spend most of your time. You'll feel just as cool under a ceiling fan at 82F (28C) as you would in 77F (25C) still air. Peak energy savings can be achieved by placing ceiling fan blades 10”- 12” below the ceiling and 7'- 9' above the floor.
- Keep an air tight house. Ensure maximum retention of heated or cooled air by adding insulation to outside walls and to the attic. Seal cracks with caulk or weather stripping and use storm doors and/or insulated doors to prevent air leaks, eliminate energy loss and prevent damage from water leaks and pest infiltration.
- New, energy-efficient appliances generate less heat and use less energy than older models. It will save you more money to replace non-efficient appliances than to keep them. Look for the ENERGY STAR® rating for the best appliances to meet your needs.
- Exhaust fans can pull unwanted heat and humidity from bathroom and kitchen spaces. Be sure to turn them off within 20 minutes after you are done cooking or bathing for maximum energy savings.
- Leaky ducts can reduce heating and cooling system efficiency by as much as 20%. Sealing and insulating ducts increases efficiency, better controls humidity, lowers your energy bills and will pay for itself in energy savings.