Energy Tips

The Department of Energy's Top 5 Recommendations

1. Increase Insulation in Attics, Basements, Walls & Floors
   Upgrade Insulation throughout your house, especially in the attic. It's a fast and easy way to save up to 30% on your energy costs.
2. Seal Air Leaks
   Test your home for air tightness. Save 10% or more by plugging air leaks around doors, ducts, outlets and chimneys.
3. Upgrade your Heating and Cooling System
   Heating and cooling make up 44% of your energy bill. Upgrade with energy-efficient equipment, insulate pipes, and install automatic set-back thermostats.
4. Improve Your Lighting
   Fluorescent lamps last 6-10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Replace 25% of your light bulbs in high use areas with fluorescent lamps and save 50% of your lighting bill.
5. Weatherize Windows
   Heat loss around windows accounts for 10-25% of your heating bill. Install, repair or weatherize storm windows and reduce heat loss by 25-50%.

Other Household Tips:
Wrapping your hot water tank and pipes, Installing low-flow water fixtures, purchasing energy-efficient appliances, using solar heating and strategic landscaping can all work to lower your energy usage and cost.