WINTER        SPRING      SUMMER     FALL    ALL YEAR

WINTER One way to increase your home's energy efficiency is so simple a child could do it. In the winter, wet your finger and hold it around windows, doors, and electrical outlets. Using a caulk gun, seal all of these air leaks. For doors, use foam weather stripping. Both of these materials require no experience to use and are very economical. Sealing leaks saves you money all year round. Open all your blinds during the day to allow the sun to heat your home. Close them at night to slow
radiant cooling.

SPRING What is your hot water heater doing right now? If it is a traditional heater, it is doing the job it was designed to do and that is to keep your water hot twenty-four-seven. If you’re using an electric water heater, install a programmable thermostat on it so it doesn’t run while you are away at work or while you sleep at night. Heating hot water represents about 15% of your utility bill.

SUMMER Plant tall bushes or trees on the south side of your house. This will provide shade in the summer while allowing the winter sun to warm your 
house. Install a programmable thermostat to set your heating and cooling equipment to automatically turn on or off to match your schedule and create a comfortable and energy-efficient living environment. These units typically offer savings of 10 to 15 percent and cost $40 - $100. If you’re using central air, shade your outside air conditioner unit. It will operate much more efficiently. Remember, it is trying to cool the heat generated through the outside coils. Using cooler air to do that with makes its job easier.

FALL Old windows are often the weak link in energy efficiency. New window technology yields windows that are three times as efficient, or more. Study window ratings before you buy new ones. One window does not fit all needs. You may need a window that lets in more light on north facing windows and less light on west facing windows. You may want a window that allows more heat to penetrate on north facing windows and less heat on south facing windows.

ALL YEAR Toilets, showers and faucets account for 60 percent of water usage in the home, according to the EPA. Replacing these items with more efficient models can save 11,000 gallons of water per year. When you are buying or replacing appliances, choose energy-efficient models. Federal ENERGY STAR-rated appliances are designed to use 10-50 percent less energy and water than standard appliances and save an average of 30 percent over standard models. When you are comparing Energy Star Ratings, make sure you are comparing “like” appliances. In other words, compare the Energy Star Rating of a front loading washing machine to another front load washing machine. Anytime you undertake a home project, add insulation and stop air leaks.

If you found this information helpful, there's more here from the U.S. Department of Energy.

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