“I want to waste energy and money this winter,” said no one ever!
That’s why your friends at South Shore Heating & Cooling present this Ultimate Winter Energy Conservation Guide – 18 easy tips, some of which won’t cost you anything!
-
Turn your thermostat back when not at home. By turning your thermostat back 10° to 15° for 8 hours, you can save about 5% to 15% a year on your heating bill — a savings of as much as 1% for each degree if the setback period is eight hours long.
-
Get a programmable thermostat. When used properly, thermostats are great for conservation of energy. They can shave $100 off your annual energy bills.
-
Add caulking and weather-stripping around doors, attic access, windows, outdoor faucets and any areas where there might be leaks. (As much as 40% of your heating and cooling costs can be due to air leaks.) Check caulking at least once a year and replace material that has dried out and shrunk.
-
If you have a furnace, clean or replace the air filter once a month to assure the best airflow and efficiency.
-
Keep ductwork in good repair by sealing leaks with mastic, metal-backed tape. Your home could be losing up to 25% of its heated or cooled air before it reaches the vents!
-
Insulate your hot water tank. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that you insulate the tank or water heater and the first 6 feet of hot water pipe.
-
Wrap your pipes to guard against heat loss and freezing.
-
Keep radiators free of dust for top efficiency.
-
Make sure rugs and furniture don't block the air circulation from baseboard outlets.
-
Have your fireplace chimney cleaned and inspected regularly.
-
Replace any cracked glass in your windows.
-
Install rubber gaskets behind outlets and switch plates on exterior walls. (Gaskets can be found in most home improvement stores.)
-
Open shades and drapes during the daytime and close them when the sun goes down.
-
Make sure your ceiling has at least six inches of good thermal insulation.
-
Check the threshold for any gaps between it and the door; use a bottom seal that can be attached to the door to stop drafts.
-
Remove air conditioning units from windows or cover them securely.
-
Seal off your attic-circulating fan with polyethylene and tape.
-
Close your kitchen vent, fireplace damper and closet doors when not in use.
At South Shore Heating & Cooling, we have conservation tips you can use all year long! We also specialize in FREE conservation consultations and detailed home energy audits to add to your conservation campaign.
Call us at
508-398-6901 or contact us and let us know which conservation tips above you followed! We’d love to hear from you!
