How To Draw Up A Strategic Energy-Savings Plan

First, find out what parts of your home are consuming the most energy. A home energy audit is one way to accurately accomplish this task, though in most homes, heating and cooling consume the most energy. But you can reduce how much energy HVAC systems require by reducing your home's heating load, or the amount of heating and cooling your home requires. Here are a few primary ways to reduce that load:

• Check attic insulation: There should be plenty of insulation on the floor, as well as between the rafters in the ceiling of the attic. Visit the Energy Savers website for more information about insulation.
• Check for air leaks: Check around doors, windows, light fixtures and electrical outlets for leaks.
• Close fireplace dampers: This is the easiest facet of your energy-savings plan because it costs nothing and simply requires you to remember to close the damper after putting out a fire.
• Maintain heating and cooling systems: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions with regards to changing filters and having professional maintenance performed.
• Study your equipment: Various equipment in your home emits heat, such as the washer and dryer, and lighting. Making changes to lower the amount of energy they emit can lead to energy savings. For instance, use energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent.

Next, formulate a specific plan by answering these questions:

• How much are your monthly energy bills, and where can you save energy?
• What changes will have the biggest impact?
• How much are you willing to invest in correcting energy losses, and how long will it take for the resulting energy savings to pay back the investment?
• What jobs can you do yourself, and what jobs require a contractor?

With these tips, you’re well on your way to a more energy-efficient home. For more information about building your energy-savings plan, or to get started implementing some of these tips, contact Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about energy savings and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Solutions Guide.