124 Chapter 5 Community and Environmental Responsibilities
temperature, sealing air leaks, and using appropriate window coverings
are simple steps. Other steps include increasing the home’s insulation,
installing energy-effi cient windows, and landscaping wisely.
Use a programmable thermostat to regulate temperatures that make
sense for your family. Take into account the periods when less heated (or
cooled) air is needed, such as when everyone is away or asleep. Set your
thermostat as low in winter and as high in summer as is comfortable.
Consider 65°F in winter and 78°F in summer. Wear layered garments so
clothing can be removed or added as needed.
If indoor air is leaking outdoors, sealing these areas can lead to
savings on your energy bill. Begin by sealing and weather-stripping
all cracks and openings around doors and windows. Indoors, look for
possible paths to the outdoors that streams of air may take and seal
them. Examples include fi replace chimneys, electrical outlets, ceiling
fi xtures, and entrances to the attic. Also seal ducts that leak heated air
into crawl spaces and other unheated areas.
Make sure all windows have draperies, window shades, blinds, or
other window coverings that can be opened and closed. Let the sunlight
in to warm a room, but block it for cooling. To let in the most sunlight,
keep windows on south and west sides clean.
Adding insulation to a home built before 1980, if not done already,
is probably a good long-term investment. Good insulation controls the
movement of air and moisture into and out of the home. Some insulation
additions are easy to make, while others may need an insulation expert.
That person can measure how well your home’s insulation compares to
the recommendations for your region.
Residential Energy Checklist, Continued
Appliance Use
•
Are the refrigerator and freezer
kept free of frost buildup?
•
Is the refrigerator set at 40°F?
•
Is the freezer set at 0°F?
•
Is the cooking range turned
off immediately after use or a
short time beforehand?
•
Are appliances clean and dust
free (particularly cooling coils)?
•
Is a timer used to avoid
overcooking?
•
Is the dishwasher’s air-dry
cycle used?
•
Are dishes washed only when
there are full loads?
•
When washing clothes, is cold
or warm water used in place of
hot water as often as possible?
•
Are clothes always rinsed with
cold water?
•
Is the lint screen cleaned after
each dryer load?
•
Do the members of your family
limit water use when showering
or bathing?
•
Is an outside air conditioning
unit located on the shady
(north) side of the house?
5-8
(Continued)