Building Energy Assists Homeowners

Basic Energy Saving Ideas

All of us can take steps, from the simple to the drastic, to spend less money on energy, make our homes or businesses more comfortable, and lower our impact on our budgets and the environment. Small behavioral changes can have large paybacks even though those changes may be free. Larger undertakings can increase the value, durability, and longevity of our homes and buildings while saving your energy dollars.

 

 Simple things you can do now to get started:

• Your thermostat setting determines the amount of money you’ll pay for heat and cooling. A ten-degree setback at night during the heating season will save you 6 to 12 percent. Set the temperature back again when the family leaves the home for work and school. Likewise, setting the thermostat higher during the cooling season will reduce your air conditioning costs. Control these setbacks manually or buy and install a programmable thermostat.
• Set your hot water heater thermostat so the water temperature at the fixtures is 120°F.
• Set your refrigerator temperature between 30°- 40°. Set your freezer temperature to 0°-10°. If your refrigerator has a Energy Saver switch, turn it on. Replace your refrigerator if it was manufactured before 1990.
• Clean the lint out of your clothes-dryer vent and consider re-piping the vent in rigid metal to reduce airflow resistance.
• Maintain a clean furnace filter and have your furnace serviced periodically.
• Replace your incandescent lights with compact fluorescent bulbs or new fluorescent fixtures.

What are the advantages of Energy Testing new homes?