This week’s tips come from Ed Henningsen, owner of Henningsen Inspections. Enjoy and be sure to share with others on Facebook and Twitter!
1. Turning down your programmable thermostat by 1 degree will save 25-30 gallons of heating oil a year. For about $100 you can buy a great programmable thermostat. Select a comfortable temperature for when you’re home, and set it to 60F when you’re at work or sleeping. It is a myth that you’ll burn more fuel heating the house up.
2. Heat loss through attic hatches and knee wall doors can account for 1 to 3% of your annual heating costs. Glue 4” to 6” of rigid insulation on the cold side of the hatch or door, install gasketing between the door and molding, and use latches to keep the hatch or door tight against the gasket.
3. Use low temperature settings on your washing machine – preferably the cold water cycle – and use cold rinses. Also be sure to wash full loads, which cost less than two low or medium-sized loads.
4. Remove window air conditioners during the winter. If this isn’t practical, install insulated covers that are tight to the siding. This will save you 2% to 3% on annual heating costs.
5. Want to know where your house is losing energy? When frost or snow is covering your roof, it’s easy to see: Just look for the bare spots. For every bare spot there is a source of heat that is melting the frost of snow. Now go inside and fix the leak!
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