“I want to waste energy and money this winter,” said no one ever!
That’s why your friends at Harris Comfort present this Ultimate Winter Energy Conservation Guide – 18 easy tips, some of which won’t cost you anything!
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Turn your thermostat back when not at home. By turning your thermostat back 10° to 15° for 8 hours, you can save about 5% to 15% a year on your heating bill — a savings of as much as 1% for each degree if the setback period is eight hours long.
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Get a programmable thermostat. When used properly, thermostats are great for conservation of energy. They can shave $100 off your annual energy bills.
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Add caulking and weather-stripping around doors, attic access, windows, outdoor faucets and any areas where there might be leaks. (As much as 40% of your heating and cooling costs can be due to air leaks.) Check caulking at least once a year and replace material that has dried out and shrunk.
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If you have a furnace, clean or replace the air filter once a month to assure the best airflow and efficiency.
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Keep ductwork in good repair by sealing leaks with mastic, metal-backed tape. Your home could be losing up to 25% of its heated or cooled air before it reaches the vents!
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Insulate your hot water tank. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that you insulate the tank or water heater and the first 6 feet of hot water pipe.
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Wrap your pipes to guard against heat loss and freezing.
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Keep radiators free of dust for top efficiency.
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Make sure rugs and furniture don't block the air circulation from baseboard outlets.
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Have your fireplace chimney cleaned and inspected regularly.
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Replace any cracked glass in your windows.
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Install rubber gaskets behind outlets and switch plates on exterior walls. (Gaskets can be found in most home improvement stores.)
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Open shades and drapes during the daytime and close them when the sun goes down.
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Make sure your ceiling has at least six inches of good thermal insulation.
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Check the threshold for any gaps between it and the door; use a bottom seal that can be attached to the door to stop drafts.
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Remove air conditioning units from windows or cover them securely.
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Seal off your attic-circulating fan with polyethylene and tape.
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Close your kitchen vent, fireplace damper and closet doors when not in use.
At Haris Comfort, we have conservation tips you can use all year long! Call us at 215-968-7477, 215-788-4596, or 609-386-4658 (in New Jersey), or contact us and let us know which conservation tips above you followed! We’d love to hear from you!
