How many of you belong to an electric coop? If so, do you receive a monthly magazine from them with little tidbits of information on how to save energy in you home? Well, I do and most of the time I don't actually read the magazine. But, today I did and let me share with you some of the tidbits of information it told me.
1. Set thermostats to 78 degrees in summer, 68 degrees in winter. I have almost always followed this. Especially in the winter. Always run your HVAC system on auto. This is the most efficient setting for your unit. We recently remodeled an old house and we made sure that we had plenty of insulation to make the house more energy efficient. Check to see if the relative humidity inside your house during the summer is at 60% or higher.
2. Run ceiling paddle fans on medium, blowing down in summer and up in winter. There is a little switch on your ceiling fans to be able to switch the way the paddles rotate. This really does help to make your room more energy efficient.
3. Change HVAC filters monthly. This is very important. When the filter is dirty, it doesn't work efficiently. Sometimes you might find that you may have to change it more frequently. Check the types of filters available and don't be cheap. Get a decent filter for the conditions of your home. Also, make sure the filters are facing the correct way. They usually will say on the filter. Remember to have your unit checked at least once a year by a professional to make sure that you have no problems. If you have a window A/C unit, you will also need to change its filters monthly and be sure to check that you have properly placed weather stripping around it. Read the directions that came with your window A/C unit for proper use.
4. When heating or cooling, keep windows locked. Also make sure that your windows are the correct type of windows. Check the rating of your windows with where you live. Energy efficient windows will keep the cold out . Check to make sure your windows and doors have the proper weather stripping. Caulk around the outside of your windows. Closing your shades or curtains at night during the winter will keep the heat in the house and closing them during the summer days will keep the heat out.
5. Insulate electric wall plugs and wall switches with foam pads. This is a very easy thing to do. You can buy these foam pads almost anywhere. Check the hardware section of the store. Just screw off the face plate and place them inside. Even if your walls are insulated, you will still loose a certain amount of energy through the wall outlet.
6. Caulk along baseboards with a clear sealant. You can usually paint over caulk, if you want it to match the paint in your room. This is another way to make sure that your house is sealed correctly from any air flowing in or out.
7. Close fireplace dampers when not burning a fire. You would be surprised how many people forget to do this. Not only does it allow the outside air to come in, causing a draft, but it also can allow birds and other things to come in as well.
8. Caulk around plumbing pipes, phone lines and electrical wires that come through the wall or floors of your home from the outside. This will prevent air from coming in and any bugs that might squeeze through, as well.
9. Make sure inside and outside that the vents are not blocked. For your house to run efficiently you need to be sure that air flows properly inside and outside.
10. Insulate attics, attic doors and keep attic doors closed tightly. Remember heat rises.
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