Insulation

Having the proper insulation can keep your heating and cooling system from wasting energy.

• Contact a home energy audit service to discover how much energy your home consumes and how you can make your home more efficient.
• Insulate your attic (most attics require 9-14” of insulation depending on the type).

Heating and Cooling

The majority of your energy bill is from your heating and cooling costs. Now is the time to make some energy-saving changes.

• Install a programmable thermostat.
• Set thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer, and 68 degrees in the winter.
• Close doors to rooms you are not using. This will help either heat or cool the main areas of your home more effectively.
• During summer months, keep your curtains drawn and blinds shut to help keep your home cool.
• During the winter months, keep your southern and western window shades open to help warm the house.
• Use your fans when you can during summer months in place of turning on your air conditioner.
• Replace air filters every month so your heating and cooling systems function at their optimal level.
• Is it time for a new air conditioning unit? If it's more than 15 years old, it may be time to replace it with an energy-efficient model. You could save up to 40% with a new model.
• Speaking of... When searching for new appliances, use online resources (like Energystar.gov and Energysaver.gov) to help you find the most efficient products.
• Shading can help cut air conditioning costs by reducing heat from direct sunlight. Plant trees with high, spreading branches on the south side of your home.
• Trees, shrubs, and ground cover plants help shade the ground and pavement around your home, cooling the air before it reaches your home’s walls and windows.
• Search your local nursery for outdoor plants and shrubs that require less water.