Energy Saving Tips

Winter Tips

Air Conditioner

• To prevent energy loss as winter approaches, remove your window-unit air conditioner or insulate it from the outside with a tight-fitting cover, available at local home improvement or hardware stores.

Ceiling Fan

• In the winter, your ceiling fan can help heat your home more economically. Most fans have a switch that allows you to reverse the motor and operate the ceiling fan in the opposite direction. This produces a gentle updraft, which forces warm air near the ceiling down into the living space.

Chimney/Furnance

• To minimize heat loss around chimney and furnace flues, cover the gaps with metal flashing and caulk small gaps with high temperature caulk.

Doors

• Install door bottoms, threshold, or door “shoes” to seal gaps beneath exterior doors.
• Caulk and weatherstrip around your doors and windows to minimize heat loss and save energy.

Drapes and Shades

• In cold weather, take advantage of the sun's warmth by keeping drapes open during daylight hours.

Dryer

• Seal gaps around your dryer vents, ducts, or electrical wires with caulk or spray foam to save energy.

ENERGY STAR Products

• Always buy ENERGY STAR-qualified products when shopping for back-to-school items such as lighting, computers, and TVs.

Fireplace

• Close your fireplace damper tightly when not in use to prevent warmed or cooled air from escaping.

HVAC Filter

• Check your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) air filters once a month during heavy use months in winter and summer. Replace filters at least every 3 months.

Insulation

• Seal your heating and cooling ducts starting with the ducts that run through the attic, crawlspace, unheated basement, or garage. Use duct sealant (mastic) or metal-backed (foil) tape to seal the seams and connections of ducts. After sealing, wrap the ducts in insulation to keep them from getting hot in the summer or cold in the winter.
• Seal the perimeter along the top of the basement wall where cement or block comes in contact with the wood frame with expanding foam or caulk. Also seal penetrations such as pipes and wiring which go through the basement ceiling to the floor above.
• In the bathroom, seal all holes that lead from bathroom plumbing, ductwork, recessed lights or electrical runs. Seal around drafty windows, baseboards, and floors to help avoid common mold and moisture problems.

Laundry

• Avoid the cost of running your clothes dryer by drying your clothes on a clothesline when weather permits or use a drying rack.

Microwave

• Save energy by using your microwave or toaster oven instead of the stove to heat small portions.

Pools and Hot Tubs

• Install solar water heating systems for pools/hot tubs. Use covers when the area is closed.

Radiators

• If your home has radiators, place heat-resistant reflectors between radiators and walls to minimize heat loss.

Windows

• As winter approaches, replace your window screens with storm windows to provide an extra barrier to the cold outside air.

Additional Energy Saving Tips

• Additional Commercial Tips
• Additional Residential Tips