Homeowners

As a homeowner, you have many choices about ways to save energy. Investing in energy efficiency is one of the best investments you can make in your home. Not only will you be helping the environment and lowering your carbon footprint, you’ll also save money on your energy bills! Over time, the investment will pay for itself, leaving you with a comfortable, efficient home. Below are tools to help you save energy.

Energy Saving Tips:

1. Use Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) instead of incandescent bulbs and save 75% of your lighting cost. Cfls last 8 years on average.
2. Install a Setback Thermostat. For every degree you set the temperature back, you’ll save 3% of your heating bill. For example, if you lower your thermostat setting from 72 at 68 during the day, you’ll save 12% of your heating bill. Air conditioning savings in the summer are comparable if you set your temperature up.
3. Repair and Seal those Leaky Windows Use caulk, rope caulk and storm windows to seal out the cold air. Tighten your window locks. Repair all broken windows. Replace all broken glass. Reglaze any panes that need new glazing.
4. Seal Drafts around Doors Use V-seal, caulk, door sweeps and other weatherstripping to provide a tightly sealed door.
5. Seal up Penetrations, Leaks and Holes in your Basement using expanding foam or insulation stuffed into plastic bags.
6. Repair all leaks into your Attic. This includes your attic hatch or stairway to the attic.
7. Increase the Insulation in your Attic. If you have R-11 or less, add insulation up to R-38. Make sure to air seal before you insulate.
8. Buy Energy Star Appliances and products. When replacing any electrical appliances or windows, doors, etc.. look for Energy Star label. If you’re replacing your heater, consider a condensing furnace. EPA’s Energy Star website has listings of equipment and where it is available locally
9. Install radiator reflectors and bleed your radiators to get rid of air trapped in them, or if you have a forced air system, replace your furnace filter before winter.
10. Seal leaky ductwork with mastic.
11. Turn your water heater down to 110 degrees and install an insulating jacket and pipe wrap on at least the first 5 feet leading off the water heater.

For personalized energy saving tips for your home, please visit the online analyzer.

You can use a carbon calculator to see just how much energy in the form of CO² you are using.  Below is a link to the EPA's Carbon Calculator.
Personal Emmisions Calculator

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