|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.
Discover your ideal indoor temp during heating (typically
68-70). Set your thermostat for this temp and avoid thermostat
juggling.
2. Apply the same principle to the
cooling season. You can calculate the ideal summer indoor
temp by subtracting 15 degrees from the outdoor temp.
(90 outdoors = 75 indoors).
3. Dress appropriately for the season
even when indoors. This will especially make a difference
in the colder months.
4. Maintain the comfort in your
home during the heating season through proper humidification.
Since moist air retains heat, a moist room will feel warmer.
5. Check into a setback thermostat.
Your dealer can program the thermostat to perform at precise
temperatures throughout the day.
6. Clean or replace your furnace
filters regularly. Dirty filters make your system work
harder. An air cleaner can cut down on the dirt in your
indoor air and extend the life of your filters.
7. Close the damper on your fireplace
when it’s not in use. Fireplaces can create drafts and
draw valuable heat up the flue
8. Check the seals around your windows
and doors and apply the necessary caulking to prevent
energy loss.
9. Leave your storm windows on all
year long. They provide valuable year-round insulation.
Storm windows can create substantial fuel savings.
10. Apply weather stripping to all
exterior doors. As with windows, this will prevent drafts
and energy loss.
11. Check the insulation in your
ceilings and walls. Homes without proper insulation use
twice as much fuel to heat as a home with proper insulation.
12. If your crawl space or basement
is heated, cover any openings with polyethylene film or
use storm windows and doors.
13. Insulate your ductwork. Uninsulated
ductwork can result in a loss of up to 25% of your heat.
14. Windows should have ample coverings
to provide shade from warm sunlight in the summer months.
Draperies can provide added insulation in the winter.
15. Avoid placing furniture over
or in front of registers or air returns. This can affect
your system’s efficiency.
16. Keep your garage closed in summer
and winter.
17. In summer, avoid activities
such as cooking or laundering during the warmest periods
of the day. Your system will work harder to keep your
home cool.
18. Fill your dishwasher completely
before running it. In summer months, the dishwasher can
add to humidity and make your system work harder to cool.
19. Look into a zoning system for
your home. A zoning system directs conditioned air where
it is needed most. If you don’t have a home zoning system,
closing off registers in rooms you rarely use can help.
20. When purchasing a new or replacement
condensing unit, request that it be placed on the shaded
side of the house. This protects it from the heat of the
sun. |
|
|
|
|
|
