Home Energy Checkup

Heating and cooling along with water heating make up most of the average residential and small commercial energy bill. Fine tuning these two areas will make the most dramatic impact on energy savings.

Heating and Cooling

__ Insulation meets or exceeds these R-values: ceiling, R-30; walls, R-13; floor, R-19; windows, double glass. All cracks are caulked, including those around windows and doors. Weather stripping is good, attic ventilation is adequate.

__ Ductwork joints are sealed properly and all ducts are insulated with R-6 duct insulation.

__ Heating and cooling system has been serviced within the last 12 months and filters are changed regularly.

__ Registers and vents are not obstructed by furniture, rugs, etc.

__ Thermostat is set to 68° F in winter and 78° F in summer.

__ Ceiling fans are run on reverse to circulate air in winter and on forward to create a breeze in summer.

__ Heating and cooling system is a heat pump with a 10 SEER or higher efficiency rating.

__ Thermostat is set to 120° F (or 140° F only if dishwasher requires it).

__ Water heater is wrapped with an insulating jacket (not for gas units due to fire hazard).

__ All hot water pipes are insulated.

__ There are no leaky hot water pipes or dripping faucets.

__ Clothes are washed in cold water whenever possible.

__ Dryer lint trap and vent hose are kept clean.

__ Both washer and dryer are run with full loads.

__ Refrigerator and freezer door seals are in good shape.

__ Little used refrigerators and freezers are unplugged with doors properly blocked or removed.

__ Dishes are not pre-rinsed before placing in dishwasher.

__ Air-dry setting is used on dishwasher.

__ Toaster oven is used instead of large oven whenever possible.

__ Pre-heating oven is avoided unless absolutely necessary.

__ Compact fluorescent bulbs are used whenever possible.

__ Swimming pool pump is run minimum time to get desired results.

__ Water beds are kept covered.

__ Spas and hot tubs are insulated and kept covered.