Furnace and Air Conditioning

 Keep your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted with annual maintenance. If your furnace is working at peak efficiency it will use less energy and cost less to operate.

 Clean or replace the filter every 1-2 months - a dirty filter reduces the airflow and forces the furnace to run longer to heat your home.

 In summer, use fans whenever possible instead of air conditioning . Using fans to supplement air conditioning allows you to raise the thermostat temperature, using less energy. Fans use less energy than air conditioning

 Only heat or cool the rooms you need. Close vents and doors of unused rooms

 Only use air conditioning to achieve neutral temperatures (75-77 degrees). Lower temperatures use significantly more energy.

Thermostat

 Lower your thermostat by 7 - 9 degrees Fahrenheit while you're sleeping at night and when no one is at home.

 Install a programmable thermostat. You can save 2% on your heating bill for every 1 degree you turn down your thermostat. With a programmable thermostat to consistently lower your heat when you don’t need it, you could save up to $60 a year!

Laundry

 Switch to cold when doing your laundry. 85 – 90% of the energy used to wash your clothes is used to heat the water. By turning the dial to cold on your washing machine, you help the environment, save energy, and save money.

 Wash full loads.

 Choose a front loading washing machine. Not only does a front loading washing machine save water, it saves energy as well. It uses about 40% less water and about 50% less energy.

Weather-stripping

 Weather-stripping provides a barrier between the fixed and movable sections of doors and windows. Apply weather-stripping to operable windows, exterior doors, garage doors, and doors that lead to the attic.,

Windows, doorframes, sills and joints

 Apply a sealant or caulk around windows, doorframes, sills and joints. On a windy day feel for leaks or use a couple of incense sticks to help identify leaks around windows, electrical outlets, vents and exterior doors. As well look for spider webs - if there is a web there is a draft.

 Use plastic window covers to help prevent heat loss.

 Keep return air grills and heating vents clear of furniture, rugs and drapes, so there is no interference with the flow of heat through your home.

 During hot months, keep window coverings closed on the south, east, and west windows if you are in Northern Hemisphere. In winter, let the sun in.

Basement

 If you have an unfinished basement or crawlspace, check for leaks by looking for spider webs. If there is a web, there is a draft. A large amount of heat is also lost from an un-insulated basement.

 Add insulation to basement walls.

Drapes & Blinds

 On sunny days, open south facing drapes and let the sun in, a natural source of heat. If you have large windows that don't receive direct sun, keep the drapes closed.

 Close your drapes and blinds during the night.

Pipes, ducts, fans and vents

 Plug gaps around pipes, ducts, fans and vents that go through walls, ceilings and floors from heated to unheated spaces.

Showers

 Install low-flow showerheads and faucets.

 About 15% of an average home energy bill goes to heating water. To save hot water, take five-minute showers instead of baths.

 Lower the temperature on your water heater so that you are not having to add cold water to shower.

Dishwasher

 Always wash a full load in your dishwasher and air-dry your dishes on the “energy saver” setting.

Garage

 Turn on the heat just prior to use, save by not heating it continuously.

Wood Fireplace

 Close the damper to prevent warm air from escaping through the chimney, and ensure the damper fits properly.

Home Electronics

 Turn off everything not in use: lights, TVs, computers, etc

 Activate "sleep" features on computers and office equipment that power down when not in use for a while. Turn off equipment during longer periods of non-use.

Hot Water heater

 Insulation your hot water tank to keep the heat from escaping.

Lighting

 Replace your five most used light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. These light bulbs use two-thirds less energy and last up to 10 times longer.