5 ACTION STEPS TO REDUCE ENERGY USE IN THE WINTER
1. Turn down your thermostat to 68 degrees. For each degree you lower the thermostat setting (in the 60 to 70-degree range) you will save 5% of your total heating costs. Hint: wear warm clothing like a sweater and set the thermostat to 68 or lower during the day and evening and down to 55 during the night, or when leaving the house for an extended period of time. This can lead to up to a 20% reduction in heating costs. Note: Heat pumps should only be set back about 2 degrees at night or while away to avoid excessive “back up strip” heating expenses!
2. Replace or clean furnace filters as instructed by the manufacturer. Hint: Dirty air filters restrict airflow thus increasing energy use. Note: Now is the time to make sure you have scheduled a system tune-up to save even more energy during the winter season.
3. Reduce the hot water temperature setting. Note: Set your water heater to the “normal” setting which is about 120 degrees UNLESS the manufacturer suggests a higher setting for proper appliance operation. You can enjoy up to 11% reduction in energy usage associated with water heating.
4. Seal up the leaks. Caulk leaks around windows and doors and looks for places where pipes, vents or electrical conduits go through an outside wall. Note: Double-check the bathroom and under the kitchen sink and seal up any cracks or holes in the outside wall. Hint: Your hardware store should have products to close up larger openings and the right type of caulking to handle the smaller openings.
5. Consider replacing older less efficient heating systems (Natural gas, propane, electric heat pumps, and oil-fired systems) with new Energy Star heating systems and water heaters.
Let ServiceMark take care of your HVAC maintenance!
Learn MoreFor more information, please refer to www.energystar.gov/products/certified-products
Please do not hesitate to call ServiceMark for all your Home Comfort Solutions.
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