Here is a short energy savings checklist to improve your home
Seal windows and doors
Drafty gaps and windows and doors let in cold air and let warm air escape. Weatherizing entryways can increase savings by 5-30%.
- Seal doors by adding weather stripping to bottoms to prevent air leaks
- Seal windows by caulking corners and seams. View a quick tutorial.
Schedule maintenance for furnace, water heaters
Cleaning and recalibration can make appliance more efficient and extend their lifetime value. Since your furnace has been unused for months, dust and dirt build up can clog air filters. It is recommended you professionally maintain appliances every 2-3 years. If you want a few DIY tune ups – here is what you can do.
- Annual furnace check up
- Change air filters
- Unblock and clean vents
Sweep chimney and fireplace
Unless you have a ventless fireplace, cleaning your fireplace ducts and vents should be an annual home maintenance task.
Adjust thermostat
Even if you are waiting until the frost sets in to fire up your furnace, think ahead by adjusting your thermostat’s automatic temperatures. It is also a good idea to set your thermostat at a moderate temperature. It expends more energy to heat a cold space than to just moderately warm it up!
Tell us what else you do
Do you have any other fall maintenance chores that help you keep your home energy efficient? Share them with us!