Saving Energy and Staying Safe

•Efficient homes are tightly air-sealed and

properly insulated.
•If heating and cooling systems are working
properly then you
•reduce pollution.
•minimize health risks
Venting Combustion Appliances
•National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes
must be followed to ensure safe operation of
combustion equipment.
•It is critical that combustion appliances have
enough air to run safely.
•Sealed-combustion appliances draw air directly
from outside the home.
•Natural-draft and power-vented units draw air
from the indoor space where they are located.
 Energy Consumption
The amount of energy you consume in your home
depends upon
How well the house is insulated.
The efficiency of appliances and equipment.
The local weather and climate.
Your lifestyle.
A home energy audit can identify how energy
efficient your home is.
 Energy Efficiency
New heating and cooling units are more efficient
than those 15 to 25 years old.
Equipment should be inspected and serviced every
year and maintained monthly.
Air filters need to be changed or cleaned
regularly.
 Adjusting Thermostat
Save energy by setting the thermostat lower in winter.
Setting the thermostat higher in summer.
Using a digital thermostat.
Try a home energy manager which allows many
temperature settings each week.
 Distributing Air Efficiently
If you have central heating and cooling, you have
a system to distribute the air.
Make sure your ductwork does not leak so it wont waste energy.
Insulate ducts in unheated space.
Properly seal any duct joints.
 Windows, Doors and Leaks
Air leaks can contribute to a homes total heat loss.
Find leak points and seal them.
Doors and windows allow air to enter.
Cracks around door and window frames can be a
primary source of heat loss.
Seal leaks with caulking and weather stripping.
 Insulation
Insulation prevents transfer of heat or cold air
through walls, floors, or ceilings.
R-values measure how well materials resist the
flow of energy into or out of your home.
The larger the R-value, the more heat or cool air
stays in your home.
Find out the recommended R-value for your area.
 Hot Water
Lower the temperature of your water heater to
save energy.
increase the life of your water heater.
reduce the chance of being burned by hot water.
Wrap your hot water heater with an insulated
blanket.
Reduce your use of hot water.