Optimize your home energy consumption and reduce your energy bills with this easy-to-use guide. It will flag areas that you should periodically examine in and around your home to find energy-wasting trouble spots. It also includes some preventative maintenance tips that will help you avoid problems before they happen.
Air leaks
Simply hold a wet hand in front of these areas to see if you feel a draft.
- Around windows and doors
- Electrical outlets and switch plates
- Baseboards
- Fireplace dampers and attic hatches
- Cable TV and phone lines
- Dryer vents, fans, window and wall mounted air conditioners
Exterior
Visually inspect the following:
- Outdoor water faucets
- Where siding and chimneys meet
- Where the foundation of exterior brick or siding meet
- Around pipes and wires
Leaks can be sealed by reapplying caulking and weather-stripping.
Insulation
- Check your insulation and vapour barriers.
- Most builders use the recommended minimum.
- Given today’s energy prices, the level of insulation might be inadequate, especially if you have an older home.
Heating & Cooling Equipment
- Inspect your furnace and air conditioning unit annually.
- Check your filters and replace them as needed.
- Use a programmable thermostat.
Appliances & Electronic Devices
- Reduce the energy use of your appliances and electronics by unplugging them when not in use to prevent phantom loads.
- Run dishwashers, washers and dryers with full loads at off peak times.
- Keep appliances clean so they run efficiently.
- Old appliances use a lot more energy than newer energy efficient ones, that old beer fridge might be costing you a lot more than you think!
Lighting
- Replace inefficient bulbs with a more efficient choice, such as energy-saving incandescent, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), or light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
Visit http://energyefficiency.org for more information and tips.