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Energy Efficient Tips For Your Home Or NH Real Estate The tips listed here are just some of the things you can do to reduce your energy costs throughout the year. They have low or no costs and can be done immediately to help you be safe, comfortable all the while helping the environment and saving money. Share them with your whole family and get everyone involved. 1. Install a programmable thermostat to keep your house comfortably warm in the winter and comfortably cool in the summer. 2. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs with the ENERGY STAR® label. 3. Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle. 4. Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use. 5. Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use (TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several watts of power). 6. Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120°F. 7. Take short showers instead of baths. 8. Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. With clothing use cold water. 9. Drive sensibly. Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gasoline 10. Look for the ENERGY STAR label on home appliances and products. 11. Make sure your appliances and heating and cooling systems are properly maintained. Check your owner’s manuals for the recommended maintenance. 12. Check for open fireplace dampers and make sure they are closed when not in use. 13. Check the insulation levels in your attic, exterior and basement walls, ceilings, floors, and crawl spaces. 14. Check for holes or cracks around your walls, ceilings, windows, doors, light and plumbing fixtures, switches, and electrical outlets that can leak air into or out of your home. 15. You can also get the advice of a professional. Many utilities conduct energy audits for free or for a small charge. For a fee, a professional contractor will analyze how well your home’s energy systems work together and compare the analysis to your utility bills. He or she will use a variety of equipment such as blower doors, infrared cameras, and surface thermometers to find leaks and drafts. After gathering information about your home, the contractor or auditor will give you a list of recommendations for cost effective energy improvements and enhanced comfort and safety. A reputable contractor can also calculate the return on your investment in high-efficiency equipment compared with standard equipment.
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