Energy Conservation
Energy Savings
With the rising cost of energy for your home there are several methods to improve on energy savings.
- The exterior
- Update any failing caulking or sealants to prevent air or moisture information
- When installing a new roof consider a light colored roof or even metal too help reflect the heat
- Some siding material will reflect or not absorb the heat such as wood, cement boards, EIFS or SIP panels
- The interior
- Caulk around all exterior windows and doors
- Install gaskets in front and spray foam around exterior receptacles and switches
- Spray foam around all window and doors behind trim
- Upgrade single pane, extruded aluminum windows or glazing
- Upgrade any failing or missing weather stripping at windows or doors
- Upgrade inadequate attic, wall or floor insulation (attic being the most important in most cases)
- Install plastic on any single pane windows in the winter if updating is not an option
- Install quilted drapes and valances over the windows
- Install storm doors on older type doors
- Mechanical
- Install insulation blanket on water heater, keep back from flame of gas unit
- Keep the filter on you HVAC system changed, a dirty filter makes the unit work harder and run more. A dirty filter can even damage the unit.
- Insulate your water lines, especially the hot lines
- Turn down the HVAC in rooms not in use, close registers if you have a single zone forced air unit
- Turn the thermostat to a moderate temperature, around 78 degrees f
- Set the thermostat slightly higher in your refrigerator and freezer
- Turn the hot water temperature down to 120 in your water heater
- Cover skylights in the summer, they can transfer heat into the house and make the unit run more
Stephen Showalter
Showalter Property Consultants
Maryland Office 410-827-5912
Florida Keys Office 305-304-2143
Fax 410-827-5912
email: Showalter Property Consultants
Showalter Property Consultants PDF Credentials
Showalter Property Consultants Brochure
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