RECOMMENDATIONS CHECKED
EXPENSE |
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HEATING |
MIN |
MOD |
INVEST |
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Check filter monthly – replace or clean as needed |
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Limit temperature to 68 during the day (or as low as
comfortable). |
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Lower thermostat to 55F to 60F at night. |
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Set thermostat at 55F when gone (may not be effective
with heat pump without special thermostat). |
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Have system serviced for optimum performance |
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Open drapes when sunny, close otherwise. |
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Don't block vents, registers or, radiators with
furniture, drapes, ect. |
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For fireplace add outdoor air intake with glass door to
prevent cold air infiltration |
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Install central humidifier or use floor model. It takes
more energy to heat dry air than with comfortably humid air |
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Have system cleaned and tuned up (burner flame should be
blue not yellow or orange). |
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Oil motors and tighten fan belts annually – most newer
motors are sealed and do not need oil. |
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Check thermostat location (away from drafts). |
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Upgrade thermostat to programmable type. |
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Replace gas pilot with electric starter |
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Install automatic vent damper on flue exhaust |
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Upgrade furnace or heat pump to high efficiency heating
system and consider ground source heat pump. |
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For Hot Water systems (boiler and radiators) |
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Lower water temperature on boiler to 140 to 150 |
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Put pan of water at radiator to humidify |
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Repair leaking heating pipes. |
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Insulate pipes. |
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Place hear reflector behind radiators such as aluminum
sheet. |
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Add zone valves or radiator thermostats. |
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Clean radiators and baseboard heaters and don’t block
with drapes, furniture ect. |
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Install outdoor reset for boiler, this adjusts
water temperature for greater efficiency. |
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De-rate nozzle size if currently oversized, check with
contractor. |
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Install flame retention head for oil burner |
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Upgrade to high efficiency boiler |
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Also see ducting, ventilation, air infiltration,
windows, ventilation |
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COOLING |
MIN |
MOD |
INVEST |
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Check filter monthly – replace or clean as needed |
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Adjust duct dampers and registers to direct greater air
flow to upper level. Close registers in basement |
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Clean evaporator and outdoor condenser coils. |
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Limit thermostat setting to 78F. Each degree up can
save 3% |
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Turn off A/C when not home with considerable savings |
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Use bath and kitchen exhaust fans to remove moisture.
Make fan and light are not on same switch so cool air not vented out
when fan not needed. |
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Turn off gas pilots to gas fireplace and older gas
fireplace with standing pilot. |
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Use drapes or awnings to block sun. |
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Open windows when outdoor temperature is less than indoor
temperature, close when higher. |
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Minimize lighting and appliance use during the day; make
sure dryer vents to the exterior. |
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Have system cleaned and serviced once a year. |
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Install attic fan with thermostat to remove excessive
heat buildup. |
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Use window fans. |
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Use interior fans with A/C, improves circulation and
lowers use. |
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Shade outdoor condenser with landscaping or awning –
don’t block airflow. |
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Install whole house fan. Open windows and run fan to
lower to outdoor temperature |
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Install exterior awnings to shade windows |
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Use landscaping and trees to shade house |
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When replacing roofing – use light colored materials.
Reflective coatings are available for most types of roofing
significantly lowering surface temperatures |
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Upgrade central unit to SEER 13 or higher and properly
sized. If your current system is over or undersized it is wasting
a lot of energy. |
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