Use Energy Wisely
| Change or clean furnace filters once a month during the heating season. Furnaces consume less energy if they “breathe” more easily. Use receipt of your natural gas bill as a reminder. |
Use Energy Wisely
| Warm air rises, so use registers to direct warm air-flow across the floor. |
Use Energy Wisely
| Close vents and doors in unused rooms and close dampers on unused fireplaces. |
Use Energy Wisely
| Set water heater temperatures at 120 degrees. A family of four, each showering for five minutes a day, uses 700 gallons of water each week. By lowering the thermostat on the water heater to 120 degrees, families can reduce water heating bills without sacrificing comfort. |
Use Energy Wisely
| Turn down thermostats automatically without sacrificing comfort by installing an automatic setback or programmable thermostat. |
Use Energy Wisely
| Set thermostats between 65 and 70 degrees during the winter, and at 58 degrees when away from the house for more than a few hours. While sleeping, add an extra blanket for warmth. Bear in mind that warmer temperatures are recommended for homes with ill or elderly persons or infants. |
Use Energy Wisely
| Install water-flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets. |
Use Energy Wisely
| If radiators are located near cold walls, place a sheet of aluminum foil between the radiator and the wall to reflect heat back into the room. |
Use Energy Wisely
| Run washing machines and clothes dryers with a full load. |
Use Energy Wisely
| 10 | On sunny days, open draperies and blinds to let the sun's warmth in. Close them at night to insulate against cold air outside. |
Long-Term Energy-Efficiency Improvements
| Check to see if attic and basement have the recommended levels of insulation. |
Long-Term Energy-Efficiency Improvements
| Check the heating system and replace old, outdated appliances with high-efficiency natural gas models. When buying new appliances, compare energy efficiency ratings and annual operating costs. |
Long-Term Energy-Efficiency Improvements
| Install storm or thermal windows and doors or double-paned glass. A less expensive alternative is plastic sheeting, which can be temporarily fastened over doors and windows to prevent drafts and retain heat. |
Common places air escapes in homes:
| Floors, Walls, and Ceilings |
Common places air escapes in homes:
| Ducts |
Common places air escapes in homes:
| Fireplace |
Common places air escapes in homes:
| Doors |
Common places air escapes in homes:
| Fans and Vents |
Common places air escapes in homes:
| Windows |
Common places air escapes in homes:
Electric Outlets |
Common places air escapes in homes:
| Plumbing Penetrations |