Residential
Energy Saving Tips
Winter Tips
Zone Heat: In very cold weather, zone heating can help keep your bill low but should not be used on a consistent basis due to possible mold problems. Close the doors and vents to the rooms that you are not frequently using and heat only the most important rooms in the house. You can do this if you have gas heat or an electric furnace but do not try it with a heat pump or an air conditioner since it may cause damage to the compressor. Also, try not to zone off the area in which the thermostat is located.
Open and Close Your Curtains: Open your curtains on the south side of your house during the day. The sun sinks approximately 30 degrees to the south in the winter and will provide significant heating effect during the day. Close all other curtains day and night to reduce heat loss.
Seal Your Windows: Check the outside edges of your windows for air gaps. If cracks exist, re-caulking is one of the most cost effective measures that you can take. Storm windows are very cost effective if applied over single pane glass, especially if a vinyl gasket is used. If your windows are in disrepair, clear plastic can be applied as a temporary measure on the window interior to seal against air infiltration. Window seals kits using a hair dryer to shrink the plastic until clear are available in common building supply stores.
Seal Your Doors: The best way to seal an exterior door is with jamb-up weather-stripping and a threshold. A towel at the bottom of the door will suffice as a temporary measure.
Wrap Your Water Heater: Most electric water heaters cost more to operate than natural gas but a little less than propane. Newer water heaters may have internal foam insulation and do not need a wrap but in many cases, water heater jackets, duct wrap, or fiberglass batts can be a cost effective way to save energy. NOTE: Be careful when insulating a gas water heater so as not to interfere with its ventilation at the top or the flame at the bottom. Water heater jackets can be used effectively to save energy for tanks located both inside and outside the heated space.
Wrap Your Hot Water Pipes: Foam tubes make for very easy and effective insulation and can be purchased at most building supply stores.
Check Your Attic Insulation: In most homes, one of the most significant areas of heat loss is through the ceiling. Make sure your attic has a level blanket of insulation that completely covers the ceiling joists. Insulation levels are measured in R-values and Huntsville Utilities recommends a minimum of R-25 and an optimum level of R-38. Attic access openings and pull down stairs located inside the structure should also be insulated and weather-stripped.
For additional energy saving tips, visit TVA’s EnergyRight web page.
Summer Tips
Electrical usage is at its’ highest during the summer months and for most homeowners, cooling costs are the largest portion of the utility bill. Here are some energy tips that can help you reduce your energy costs.
Adjust Thermostat: For central systems, in hot weather, a two degree increase in the thermostat setting can result in cost savings of 5% or more.
Use Ceiling Fans: Ceiling or floor fans use very little energy and can make the room feel five degrees cooler than the actual temperature.
Keep Curtains and Blinds Shut: This is especially important for east and west facing windows. Trees, awnings, window tinting and/or solar screens are cost effective measures because they stop direct sunlight before it enters the home.
Keep the Doors Closed: Contrary to popular belief, most storm doors are not effective as a heat transfer barrier. Try to close the prime door whenever entering or exiting the house.
Change Air Filters: Clean or change air filters every month on a window unit or a central system. This practice is especially important during heavy usage months. Dirty filters can decrease comfort, cause inefficiency, and may shorten the life of the air conditioner.
Have Your Air Conditioner Checked: Air conditioners compress refrigerant and then allow it to expand again in order to produce cool air temperatures. If your unit is not properly charged, your bill may skyrocket. To avoid this scenario, have your unit serviced at least every other year and from time to time, take a moment to listen to see how long it runs. If it does not cycle on and off frequently at night or in moderate temperatures, you could be in for a large utility bill. Also, when the unit is serviced, make sure the coils are cleaned and your duct system is checked for air leakage.
Insulate Attic Access Door: If your home has an attic access door or pull down stairs that are located in conditioned space, make sure they are insulated and weather-stripped. This measure is one of the most cost effective you can take.
Reduce Moisture: Air conditioners not only cool the air, they also use energy to remove moisture. Homeowners who reduce moisture levels inside the home, will also reduce their cooling costs. Make sure that bath, kitchen, and laundry room exhaust fans are used whenever possible during the summer months. Install gutter extensions to keep rain water away from the house and if you have a crawl space, make sure a plastic sheet covers 100% of the ground area. Flower beds located in contact with the house, may allow rain run-off or water from the hose to seep into the outside walls. It is a good idea to move beds a few feet away from the house if possible.
For additional energy saving tips, visit TVA’s EnergyRight web page.
