How old is your water heating system? Unless you have an on-demand gas water heating system, you most likely have an electric water heater. Electric water heaters use a lot of energy (approx. $40 to $50/month) to keep water heated. If it is more than 10 to 13 years old, you most likely need a new water heater. It should be inspected annually along with your HVAC system for optimal efficiency.
What is the temperature of your water heating system? Your system should not be set any higher than 115˚ F for a 1 to 2 person home and 120˚ F for a 3 or more person home.
Is your water heater insulated on the outside? Wrapping your water heater can help increase its efficiency, especially if its located in a garage or an area with more exposure to cold temperatures in the winter.
Do you use your stove and oven significantly in the summer? Oven cooking adds heat to your home and makes your AC work harder to cool your home, which is already warm. Use a microwave, a toaster oven, or a slow cooker when you can.
How old is your washer and dryer? If your washer and dryer are more than 8 to 12 years old, you should upgrade. With modern detergents you can wash most everything in cold water. Only use warm or hot for very dirty loads. Wash full loads. Multiple small loads use more energy.
How old is your refrigerator and freezer(s)? If your refrigerator and/or freezer are more than 15 years old, you should upgrade to a more efficient Energy Star® unit. Older units must work harder to keep food and beverages cool.
Do you have a freezer in a garage? Asking a freezer to work in a hot summer garage that can reach 120˚ F just uses more energy. If you rarely use it, unplug it and sell it as a home energy upgrade project.
What is the temperature set on your refrigerator and or freezer(s)? Set your refrigerator between 34˚ to 37˚ F and freezers to 0˚ to 5˚ F.
Have you changed all your light bulbs to LEDs? This is 1 of the easiest investments and can actually lower costs associated with your Baseload.
How old is your home? If your home is more than 15 years old, you may be experiencing increased outside air getting into your home through cracks in doors, windows, and exterior walls from settling. Very old homes will experience this issue even more. Inspect your doors, windows, exterior walls, and roof for cracks and gaps.
How old is your HVAC system? If more than 10 to 15 years old, you need to invest in a new Energy Star® efficient system.
What type is your heating system? (Gas, Heat Pump, Electric Resistance) Gas and heat pump systems are the most efficient. Electric resistance central heat is the most expensive to operate. If you have electric resistance, you will need to upgrade to a heat pump to lower heating bills.
Are you changing your air filters monthly? Dirty air filters make your system work harder, especially in older systems.
When was the last time you had your AC and furnace tuned up? Yearly and seasonal maintenance is key to preventing costly breakages and extending unit life.
Are your ducts insulated? Are they in an insulated space? Creating cool or warm air is hard enough for your HVAC system. Having ducting affected by opposing temperatures makes it even more difficult.
Is your ducting properly sealed? If your ducts have leaks, you are paying to heat or cool areas of your home that don’t need it, or worse, outside your home.
Are you using space heaters? Space heaters are just as expensive to run as an inefficient heating system. If you are using them along with your heating system, it’s a double whammy.
Do you have enough insulation in your attic, walls, and floors? All exterior walls and floors should be fully insulated, and your attic should have a minimum of 10 to 14 inches of insulation. Attics should have an insulation value of R38. Walls should be insulated to R13 to 15 and floors to R25.
Do you have a fireplace? Fireplaces can suck heat out through the chimney when not used. Keep the flue closed when not in use.
