Simple Things You Can Do NOW

There are definitely some simple things you can do now to make your home more energy efficient and to reduce your heating and cooling bills:

1. Consider adjusting your thermostat.
    In the summer, raise it to 78ºF during the day, higher at night.
    In the winter, lower it to 68ºF during the day, lower at night.

2. Turn off the lights when they are no longer needed.

3. Replace incandescents with compact fluorescents.
    Learn more about CFLs here and here.

4. Reduce phantom loads by unplugging tv sets, etc.
    Learn more about phantom loads here.

5. Lower shades/close blinds when rooms are not in use.

6. Consider adjusting your dishwashing/laundering schedules:
    Run appliances that use a lot of electricity or that produce a lot
    of heat in the evening.

7. Tip for your basement: Make sure your ductwork is sealed.

8. Tip for your basement: Seal air leaks between basement
    ceiling and living space floor above.

9. Caulk/add weatherstripping/recaulk as needed around windows
    and doors. Learn more about caulking/weatherstripping here.

10. Tip for your attic: Make sure your ductwork is sealed.

11. Tip for your attic: Add insulation. Learn more here.

12. Tip for your attic: Seal air leaks between living space
      ceiling below and attic floor.

More lists of Tips by the Dozen (Buying New Appliances, Buying a New Home, etc.) coming soon!