| Home Energy Efficiency |
 |
 |
 |
| Written by shirley cole | |||
| Tuesday, 07 December 2010 15:52 | |||
|
HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY By Julia Lloyd Wright Weathersfield Energy Coordinator Below is a short check list of items that homeowners can run through and use to undertake certain measures to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of their homes. This is only a brief outline but remember that weatherization needs to be done prior to considering any expensive renewable energy system. It's amazing the difference that one can accomplish with a caulking gun, insulating the basement and attic and No. 1 -- REMEMBER ..........n IT ALL STARTS BY CHANGING A LIGHT BULB!! Switch to CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Light) bulbs. These use less than 1/3rd of the energy of incandescent bulbs (Dispose of CFLs properly, NOT in trash, hand to Norm or return to hardware stores) When purchasing new appliances - Look for the Energy Star label showing high efficiency models. Check outside house for trees blocking light in winter, some can be removed.- check for broken windows in basement and attic - replace - check for missing glazing around windows, replace - check snowmelt for ice dams or icicles hanging from roof that signify heat escaping from attic - peeling paint and gaps can be caulked - check storm doors for fit and broken glass, repair Storm doors protect exterior doors. Basements - crawl spaces can be insulated with foam board, seal cracks and insulate interior and exterior basement doors Windows - it is NOT cost-effective to replace windows. Use an interior weatherization kit from local hardware stores and/or install storm windows Caulk or weatherstrip Find leaks indoors - Use foam outlet seals where appliances are plugged in on exterior walls. Insulated curtains help keep rooms draught-free and warm. Add weatherstrip sweeps to bottom of all exterior doors Check furnace thermostats - replace if old - newer ones are more efficient and save fuel . Clean ductwork, replace filters. Check attics - need vents for fresh air flow - BUT insulate floors with fiberglass or have cellulose insulation blanket blown in. Insulate attic trap doors Check wall insulation, cellulose insulation can also be blown in between inner and outer walls. For further information, read the CVPS helpful hints Contact Efficiency Vermont - 1-888-921-5990 or go to www.efficiencyvermont.com To further save money: adjust thermostats, reduce amount of STUFF purchased, reuse instead or buying cheap STUFF, recycle, wash clothes in cold water, install a low-flow shower head, run dishwasher only when full, walk, carpool, check vehicle tire pressure grow, vegetables, share tips with friends and neighbors, etc., etc.
|
|||
| Last Updated on Tuesday, 07 December 2010 15:53 |
Like it? Share it!
