Tips for Homeowners
Summer Energy Saving Tips
1. Use electricity during off-peak hours to reduce the load on your utility.
Some utilities offer tim-of-use rates, so changing your behavior can save you money. Off-peak hours are typically 9PM - 6AM.
2. Set the thermostat on your air conditioner to the highest comfortable setting.
78 degrees (F) works for most people.
3. Save washing clothes/dishes and showers for the early morning or evening time, when it's cooler.
These activities build up humidity, when air conditioners work to remove humidity.
4. Set refrigerator temperatures between 37 and 40 degrees (F).
Keep the refrigerator stocked; it takes more energy to cool and empty fridge. Use a thermometer to verify temperatures.
5. Shut off or unplug lights, computers and other electronic appliances when you're not using them.
This may sound like a pain in the neck, but these appliances continue to use electricity even when they are not on!
6. Lower the temperature on your electric water heater to 120 degrees (F).
Turn it off when leaving for extended periods of time. Gas water heaters must be set to the "vacation" setting.
7. Use a microwave, pressure cooker, toaster oven or BBQ instead of the stove.
They use less energy and prevent excessive heat build-up in the house. Cook in the mornings or evenings when cooler.
8. Close blinds, drapes or window coverings on the south facing windows.
This reduces the amount of heat build-up in the home. Properly adjust window awnings for optimal shading.
9. Clean, clean, clean...
your coils on the refrigerator, the exhaust/lint from the dryer, the dust on the lights, the debris in/on the air conditioning unit, the filter on your AC unit, the frost in your freezer. Your equipment will last longer and you'll save energy and spend LESS money!
10. Install an automatic setback thermostat that adjusts temperature according to your daily schedule.
11. Install do-it-yourself window tinting for south facing windows.
Some manufacturer warranties may be voided so read the manufacturer's warranty carefully.
12. Use motion sensors for outdoor lighting.
You'll still have security and save energy.
13. Replace incandescent light bulbs in your most commonly used fixures with compact fluorescent lamps (CFL's).
They use about a quarter of the energy.
14. Replace air conditioner filters.
The dirtier they are, the harder the appliance has to work.15. Add water heater tank and hot water pipe insulation especially if in an unheated or conditioned space.
Don't cover the thermostate or, for natural gas models, the air inlets.
16. Plant shrubs or bushes around our central AC unit.
They'll provide shade and keep it cool. The hotter the unit gets, the harder it has to work - more energy, more money. Be careful not to obstruct airflow through coils. Maintain at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides.
Summer Home Repair Tips
1. Repair water-stained ceilings.
Following a roof leak, there is usually a yellow or brown stain on the ceiling below. Don't try to paint right over the stains - they're likely to show through. Simply seal a stain with stain sealer, then repaint the ceiling (you can try to touch up the area, but, for uniformity, you're likely to find that the entire ceiling may need to be painted.)
2. Fix missing or damaged roofing.
Look for trouble spots on top of the roof (but only in good weather and if you can do this safely). Or, during the day, go into the attic with a bright, portable light to check for signs of wetness or water marks. You can also look for pinpoints of daylight showing through. When in the attic, step only on secure framing members, never on the insulation or topside of the ceiling below - this won't support you!
3. Fix leaking roof flashing.
Many serious roof leaks are not caused by missing or damaged shingles, they're due to broken or improper roof flashing.
4. Fix siding leaks.
If you've discovered any areas where your home's siding doesn't hold Mother Nature out, you'll have to make repairs.
5. Clear gutters and downspouts.
Water damage often occurs as a result of clogged gutters and downspouts. Dry weather offers a good opportunity for cleaning them out if you have them so water will drain properly.
6. Repair storm doors.
Buffeting winds can take a toll on storm doors. Often, the door closer becomes bent, breaks or pulls away from the doorjamb.
7. Block air leaks.
Indoors, cold weather often becomes most evident by cold drafts caused when air leaks through and around windows and doors. One way to slow down drafts and save energy is to install or repair weather stripping.
8. Repair rotted woodwork.
Where wood sills or sash have taken serious abuse from weather, resulting in rot, you can use epoxy wood filler, available at home centers, to repair the area. If large areas are affected, talk with a carpenter or cabinetmaker.
9. Service your furnace / air conditioner.
With forced-air systems, air returning to the air handler's blower first passes through an air filter designed to catch dust and debris and help clean the air before it's recycled to your home. A good furnace filter can help reduce allergens. When filters become clogged with dust, they cut down on a furnace's efficiency. Change filters quarterly or sooner if they look dirty.
