Air Infiltration Quick Tips

Air that transfers in and out of homes through cracks, crevices and holes can increase energy consumption. Here are some helpful tips to avoid air infiltration.

• Seal around pipe penetrations coming through walls.
• During hot and cold weather, ensure windows are closed tightly and locked.

Unplug Quick Tip

Check around the house to see if devices are unnecessarily plugged in. Cell phones, MP3 player chargers and appliances are still drawing power when not in use. Be aware that plasma TVs and entertainment systems are drawing power even when they are off.

Thermostat Quick Tip

The average home will spend over $1,000 a year on heating and cooling. Programmable thermostats adjust the temperature in winter and in summer as well as during unoccupied hours. At a cost of $50 - $150 the payback can be seen in well under a year.

Window Quick Tips

A considerable amount of heat transfers through windows. If you have single-pane windows, consider doing the following:

• Tighten and weather-strip your old windows and then add storm windows.
• Replace your old single-glazed windows with new double-glazed windows.

Water Heater Quick Tips

• Try washing clothes with warm water and rising with cold.
• Consider buying a new energy efficient water heater. It's best to start shopping for a new one if your's is more than 7 years old.
• Install a water heater wrap per the manufacturer's instructions.

What Can You Do?

Compact Flourescent Lights (CFLs) are 70% more effective than incandescent bulbs and about $2 a piece. The paycheck is a few months.