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Add a layer to your attic insulation
You probably didn't know that the majority of homes built before 1980 are under-insulated.
Which means heat can escape through the ceiling, past the roof and into the atmosphere.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, adding insulation to the attic is one of the easiest
and most cost-effective ways to help cut heating and cooling costs. And it will make your home
more comfortable. As a general rule, if you have less than 16 inches of attic insulation,
you probably need more. Click here to learn more about how
much insulation you’ll need, and how to go about tackling this project yourself.
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Add insulation to other areas of the home
It's a simple equation: add insulation to reduce energy usage and increase comfort.
Supplementing the insulation in your crawl space, under floors and against basement walls is
a great way to stop the transfer of heat or cold through your house. Click here
to learn more about these simple do-it-yourself projects.
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Turn on the Humidifier
In the summer, humidity can affect the comfort level of your home. But if you increase the
humidity in your living space in the cooler months, the additional moisture will increase the “heat index” inside
your home, making 68°F feel more like 76°F. If your furnace doesn’t have a built-in humidifier,
place a portable unit in frequently used areas such as the bedroom and living room. Make sure
that the relative humidity in the home is between 20 to 40 percent. As the outside temperature
falls, lower the percentage to prevent condensation from forming on windows.
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Install a Programmable Thermostat
Why heat the house when nobody's home? A programmable thermostat can automatically
lower and raise your home’s air temperature when you're at work or comfortably nestled
under a comforter. By simply turning your thermostat back from 72°F down to 65°F for
eight hours a day, you can save as much as 10 percent on your annual heating and cooling
costs. Most likely, your energy savings will offset the costs for a programmable thermostat
(starting at $30) within the first year.*
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Let the Sun Shine In
On those cold winter days, fill your home with the warmth of the sun's rays by raising the
blinds and shades on windows on the south and west sides of your house. And if you (like
half of American homeowners) have single-pane windows, consider replacing them with
double-pane windows with a special coating on the glass that reflects heat back into the
room during the winter months.
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Seal the Windows
If you can’t afford to replace your single-pane windows, remember to put your storm
windows in for the winter. You can also block the flow of cold air into your home by installing
a clear plastic film across the inside of your windows and frames. Then heat the plastic with
a blow dryer until it becomes nearly invisible. The trapped pocket of air between the plastic
film and the window acts as an effective insulator -- which can help reduce heat loss through
the window by 25 to 50 percent. Best of all, it's a relatively inexpensive project, costing $4
to $6 per window, on average.*
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Change Furnace Filters Frequently
Here's a simple tip that can improve the energy efficiency of your heating and cooling systems
by as much as 10 percent. Simply clean air registers, baseboard heaters and radiators as
needed, and change forced air heating system air filters monthly. Or, use washable filters.
They cost about $20 each, and with proper care, can last up to five years.*
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Seal the Ducts
You probably don't need to heat your attic or unfinished basement. But chances are, you're
heating them anyway. If you have even small cracks or holes in your air ducts, warm air from
the furnace can escape into the attic or basement before it ever reaches its intended
destination. That means the furnace has to work overtime to keep the rest of the house warm.
So check your ducts for leaks each fall, and use duct tape to repair and seal holes or sections
that have separated. And if you're buying new ducts, consider a system that's already
surrounded by insulation.
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Plug the Drafts
The exterior of your house is your first line of defense against drafts, so it's important to caulk,
seal and weather-strip around all seams, cracks and openings. Be sure to pay special attention
around windows and where siding or bricks and wood trim meet. You can also reduce drafts
from the inside by caulking, sealing and weather-stripping around windows and door frames,
and near electrical boxes and plumbing penetrations.
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Close Vents to Guest Rooms
Today, many homes have more rooms than family members can occupy. By closing the vents
to just one spare bedroom in your house, you'll probably see a difference in your heating bills.
But don't put away your welcome mat - you can open the vents when guests stay over.
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Insulate Water Heater
If you haven't insulated your water heater you may be losing heat into the surrounding area.
Which means your water heater may have to work overtime just to keep the water hot. When
properly insulated, you will minimize loss of precious heat that's intended for hot baths and
steamy showers. Consult your water heater directions or a qualified water heater professional to
help determine whether your water heater is properly insulated.
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Insulate Pipes
It's no secret that insulated hot water pipes keep water warmer longer. As a result,
your heater will not have to work as hard.
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Install Energy Efficient Doors and Windows
There's more to new windows and doors than meets the eye. The newer products are more
energy-efficient -- and require less maintenance. Many of today’s doors and windows are
designed and insulated to reduce the transfer of cold air into the home, which can help you
reduce fuel costs by up to 15%.*
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Clean and Inspect Central Heating Equipment
It’s a good idea to have your furnace and ductwork evaluated before the start of each heating
season. The cleaner and more efficient they are, the more you'll enjoy energy savings. In fact,
a properly adjusted furnace can help you save up to 10% in fuel consumption.*
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Cover Your Window Air Conditioning Unit
It's no secret that it's important that your air conditioning unit must fit tightly in the window
to reduce energy loss. But that's not all. Because air travels through your window air
conditioning unit, it's important to keep it covered in the off-season to prevent cold air from
entering the house. Better yet, during the winter months, remove your air conditioner from
the window altogether.
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