Section 5-3 Conserving Energy 123
The Home’s Shell
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Are plants properly located
around the house to provide
a break against wind and
unwanted sun?
•
Are drapes and furniture
located so they do not obstruct
heating, air conditioning, or
ventilation?
•
Are exterior house doors
closed quickly after use?
•
Do you have double-pane
windows or storm windows and
doors?
•
Are all doors and windows
properly caulked and weather-
stripped?
•
Are draperies and shades
closed at night, on cloudy days
during the heating season,
and on sunny days during the
cooling season?
•
Are draperies opened to admit
sunlight on sunny days in the
heating season?
•
Is the attic well ventilated and
insulated?
•
Are the walls well insulated?
•
Is the house shaded from the
western sun?
•
Is your home sealed from
drafts? Is it free from cracks
and holes?
Environmental Control
•
Does your home have as
much fl uorescent lighting as
possible?
•
Is the fi replace damper closed
when not in use?
•
Are lights turned off when they
will not be used for several
hours?
•
Are appliances turned off
after use?
•
Are ducts, radiators, or air
conditioners closed off in
unused areas?
•
Are air ducts and hot-water
pipes insulated in spaces that
lack heating and cooling?
•
Is the thermostat set at 65°F
or lower during the heating
season and at 78°F or higher
during the cooling season?
•
Is the thermostat turned back
at night and when the house is
empty?
•
Are furnace and air conditioner
fi lters kept clean?
•
Is the air conditioning unit
properly sized for your needs?
•
Are windows and doors tightly
closed while heating or cooling
the home?
•
Is an attic fan used in the
summer?
•
Is the water heater insulated or
located in a heated space?
•
Do you use natural ventilation
as much as possible?
•
Are radiators and other heating
or cooling equipment clean and
dust free?
Housing Selection
•
If you live in an apartment, is it
an “inside” apartment?
•
If you live in a mobile home,
does it have a “skirt”?
•
If you live in an older home,
has the plumbing, wiring,
insulation, and chimneys been
checked by experts?
•
Is the den, game room, or
family room oriented to the
south?
Residential Energy Checklist
5-8
Can you answer yes to
these questions? If so,
you are doing your part
in helping to conserve
energy.