CUTTING ENERGY CONSUMPTION and FUEL COSTS THROUGH HOME WEATHERIZATION!

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This list was compiled by the Sustainable Energy Resource Group in VT and the "Button Up NH" program from the University cf NH. It is important to also stress the need for adequate ventilation when tightening up homes to maintain healthy air quality.

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Do-it-yourself energy saving measures and tips: 

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Most cold air infiltration takes place as warm air rises and flows out openings high in the house, pulling cold air in through leaks low in the house. These leaks are easiest to find on cold days and are usually very cost effective to repair. Feel for cool drafts coming in low areas - where the sill meets the foundation, around low doors, windows and protrusions for pipes and wires. Hold something that smokes, like incense, and look for smoke being sucked out along potential openings - attic hatches, upper floor windows and electric outlets, etc. 
 

• When not at home and at bedtime, every degree lowered between 60-70 degrees saves 2% on heating costs.
   

• Close fireplace damper in winter and close off unused rooms.
   

• Weather-strip all exterior doors, including attic hatch, bulkhead doors and crawl spaces. Change weatherstripping when worn.
   

• If your exterior doors jiggle when closed, move the striker/latch plate closer to the door-stop so the door closes snuggly against the stop or add new weather stripping that “snugs up” against the door.
   

• Caulk closed leaky windows and exterior doors that you never open.
   

• Cover leaky windows or windows that have no storm windows with an interior plastic "storm" product that can be removed in the spring.
   

• Insulate cellar and attic heating ducts
   

• Seal the foundation and plug cracks in walls to reduce cold air infiltration and heat loss.
   

• Make sure all fan-driven exterior vents (dryer, stove, bathroom, etc.) have an exterior flap that closes tightly when the fan is off. Clear vent flaps of lint and other debris so they close tightly.
   

• Install outlet “blankets” inside all electric outlets on exterior walls.
   

• If you can feel heat coming off your hot water tank or hot water pipes, cover them with an insulated tank wrap jacket or foam pipe insulation.
   

• Take shorter showers. They account for 2/3 of water heating costs. And useceiling ventilation to reduce household moisture.
   

• Wash full loads of clothes with cold water unless very dirty.
   

• Hang clothes on line or drying rack, or briefly dewrinkle and hang..
   

• Wash full loads in dishwasher and "air dry".
   

• Have furnace “tuned up” every year and make sure ducts are not leaking.
   

• Use "sleep" setting when away from computer for 10 min. or more.
   

• Use power cord for electronics and turn it off when not in use for long periods and at night..
   

• Clean refrigerator coils every six months for greater efficiency.
   

• Install low-flow showerhead to reduce water flow.
   

• Install aerators on kitchen & bathroom faucets to lower hot water usage.
   

• Change lights to CFLs or LED lights for significant savings.
   

• Use energy-efficient bulbs with motion sensors for security in outdoor lighting.
   

• Shop locally.
   

• Drive less, carpool.
   

• Install electric heat pumps for heat and summer AC.
   

• Install rooftop or ground mounted solar arrays.
   

• Puchase energy efficient appliances.
   

• Make your next car an electric vehicle.
   

• Support installations of ev charging stations.
   

• Support municipal switches to renewable energy
   

• Support a Community Power Plan for your town to gain more local power and cash savings through bulk purchasing for your entire community.