Making your home or business more energy efficient leads to more comfort and lower utility bills throughout the year. Please review the information here to explore the many tips and informational links that can be used to make your home or business much more energy efficient.
HVAC
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are generally the number one source of energy consumption in your home.
- HVAC Systems (PDF)
- Attic HVAC Equipment (PDF)
- Basement/Crawlspace HVAC Equipment (PDF)
- Air Flow (PDF)
- Improving Duct Systems (PDF)
Insulation
If you don’t have a proper amount of insulation in your attic or in other areas of your home, you could be losing money on heating and cooling costs
- Attic Insulation (PDF)
- Attic Knee wall (PDF)
- Attic Access (PDF)
- Exterior Walls (PDF)
- Subfloor Insulation (PDF)
- Basement Walls (PDF)
Air Infiltration
Uncontrolled air flow into and out of your home can increase HVAC runtime and make you uncomfortable in some areas.
- Air Sealing Sub-floors (PDF)
- Basement Walls (PDF):Doors and Windows (PDF)
- Attached Garages (PDF)
- Attic Air Sealing (PDF)
- Attic Pipes and Vents (PDF)
Ventilation
Make sure ventilation is working like it is supposed to and not adding to unintentional air infiltration into or out of your home.
- Attic Ventilation (PDF)
- Furnace/Water Heater Ventilation Comfort and Safety (PDF)
- Doors and Windows in Basements (PDF)
- Attached Garages (PDF)
- Fireplaces and Woodstoves (PDF)
Appliances / Electric Motors / Lighting / Water Heating
Having your heating and cooling system inspected by a licensed HVAC contractor every six months will keep the system in top condition for the next season of use
Use mastic at all joints and around the main unit to insure there are no leaks of conditioned air. Straighten ducts that are bent and restricting air flow.
For summer use, a setting of 78 degrees is recommended; for winter use, a setting of 68 degrees is recommended. Use of programmable thermostats for air conditioning units to raise or lower the temperature during non-business hours will aid in reducing bills.
The use of more energy efficient lighting can lower power consumption. Use lower wattage fluorescent bulbs when replacing burnt out-bulbs. Upgrade to t-8 ballasts when replacing old ballasts.
Implement a facility maintenance plan to keep all of your equipment running at maximum efficiency. Equipment that is not properly maintained will cost more to operate.
Turn off lights in rooms when no one is present. Door switches, infrared motion sensors and other devices can be used to automatically turn the lights out when no one is present. Also reduce the number bulbs in common areas where permitted.
Make sure there are no leaks in air or water systems in use in your facility. Air leaks lead to additional compressor usage and inefficient operation of pneumatic equipment. A leaky faucet, especially on the hot water side, can lead to additional costs in water heater operation.
If your facility still uses a large tank-style water heater to supply hot water to only a couple of sinks in the building, consider point of use water heaters. They only run when needed and do not cycle throughout the day like a tank-style heater does.
A continuous barrier of insulation should be in place between warehouses and inner offices and in the attics of converted homes. Weather-stripping should be in place on all exterior doors and doors exiting into warehouse/storage areas.
Use blinds, tinting, or drapes to block the heat from the summer sun.
Planting trees/shrubs, window/door awnings, or special window/glass films will help to block direct sun in the summer.