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Insulation
1. Make sure your home is properly
insulated. This is the single most
important step in conserving energy.
Thermal insulation should be
specified in terms of thermal
resistance (R-values). R-30 (10")
is recommended for ceilings, R-11
(3-1/2) for exterior walls and floors
over unheated areas. In colder
climates, consider additional
insulation.
2. Infiltration of humid outside air is
your heating and cooling system’s
worst enemy — it could account for
15 to 30% of air conditioning energy
requirements. Find the places where
air can sneak into the home and
plug them with caulking, weather-
stripping or plastic. Also, weather-
strip and caulk around all entrance
doors and windows.
3. Cut heat transfer through your
windows by 40 to 50% with double
glazing (two panes of glass separat-
ed by a sealed air space) and
low-e glass.
4. Use wood- or metal-frame storm
windows even if single-glazed
windows are high quality. The
extra layer of glass and the layer
of still air will cut heat transfer
considerably.
5. Install storm doors at all entrances
to your house.
6. Keep all windows and doors closed.
7. Remember that by increasing the
glass area, you increase the amount
of heat added in summer and lost
in winter.
8. Make sure fireplaces have tight-
fitting dampers which can be closed
when the fireplace is not in use.
9. Invest in a humidifier to conserve
energy in winter. The air in your
home won’t be as dry, so you
stay comfortable at a lower
temperature setting.
Heating
10. Locate the thermostat on an inside
wall away from windows and doors.
11. Set the thermostat as low as comfort
permits. Each degree over 68°F can
add 3% to the amount of energy
needed for heating.
12. People generate heat. So lower the
thermostat a degree or two when
expecting a large group of guests.
Cooling
13. Set the thermostat as high as
comfort will permit.
14. Make sure attics are adequately
ventilated to relieve heat buildup.
If necessary, improve air flow by
adding or enlarging vents.
15. When building a new house or
renovating an old one, choose
light-colored roof shingles to
reflect more of the sun’s heat.
16. During moderate weather, don’t use
the air conditioner unnecessarily.
17. Draw blinds or drapes to block the
sunlight during the hottest part of
the day.
18. Install awnings over windows
exposed to direct sunlight.
19. In the cooling season, don’t run
kitchen and bath exhaust fans
longer than necessary.
20. Don’t place lamps, TV sets or other
heat producing devices beneath a
wall-mounted thermostat. Rising
heat from the equipment may
cause the air conditioner system
to overcool your house.
Extra Energy Tips