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ENERGY STAR HOME ASSESSMENTS
SAVING
ENERGY STARTS WITH YOU!
I can still hear my mom saying: "Close that door, we're not cooling
the whole neighborhood".
For me, that was years ago,
but the need and want to conserve energy has not changed one bit.
Especially now, since we don't like paying those high utility bills!
If you want to improve your
home's energy efficiency and lower your utility bills, go on a scavenger
hunt for wasted energy. It's so easy! Walk into a room that
you haven't been in for a while and you should notice if there is a change
in temperature or even a draft from any windows nearby.
Here's a basic plan of
attack:
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Gaps,
cracks, and openings where air seeps in and out must be sealed.
Check window frames, switch plates, baseboards, doors, crawl spaces,
etc. An old rule of thumb that usually proves to be correct
is, "Where you find spider webs, you usually will find a draft
nearby." Weather-stripping, caulk and insulating foam are some
solutions to most of these energy wasters. |
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When
nighttime comes, do you light up your house like an airstrip?
Don't do that! Turn on only the lights you need at that time.
Replace incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs, you'll
spend more initially, but in the long run fluorescents consume less
energy. They also last a lot longer! If you have outdoor
lighting, consider using sensors to automatically turn the lights on
when someone approaches. |
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Clean
and/or change your heating & cooling system filters every month.
It's very easy to do and takes no time at all! This helps
your unit run more efficiently and cleaner too! |
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Your
ducts can leak cool air into the attic or crawl spaces, where it
does not belong.
Have your ducts checked to make sure they are sealed tightly.
Anything you do to keep expensive cool air directed where you want
instead of floating away saves energy and money. |
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Insulate, insulate, insulate! The utility providing your gas
or electricity is a good place to start.
R-38 is considered the minimum for attics, but additional
insulation will be needed in some areas. It depends on the
climate in which you live. You may only need insulation in the
attic, or you could need it in the walls and underneath the floors
as well. |
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If you
don't have low-flow showerheads, you should install them.
They conserve the amount of hot water you use, and yes, you can
become accustomed to not being blasted by water. |
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Hanging your clothes to dry will conserve energy.
But when you do operate your clothes dryer, fill it to maximum
capacity. Also, for fire protection, keep your dryer and
exhaust duct clean and free of lint. |
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Remember,
When buying a new appliance, you not only are paying for it, but
you continue to pay for its operation as well. Choose
appliances with highest energy rating you can afford. It will
save you money in the long run. |
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