Energy saving tips for your home

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.

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.

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.

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.*

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.

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.*

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.*

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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%.*

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.*

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.