simple/ quick things you can do to save money

Seasonal Resident? 

Consider shutting your home down for the winter; talk to your caretaker about this, there are some important but simple steps to take before shutting a home down for the winter.

Change Your Light Bulbs

Changing your A19 bulbs (the old round type) to compact fluorescent light bulbs will consume up to 75% less energy. Even reducing the wattage of a light could save you up to 20% on your lighting costs. Visit www.efi.org to buy bulbs, you may qualify for a discount.

Check Your Hot Water Tank, it should be set to 120 degrees.

Have Your Furnace Inspected and Cleaned

Properly operating equipment can save as much as 15% on energy costs.

Thermostats

Adjust your thermostats so that they turn down the heat at night and while you are away. This could save up to 10% on your heating costs.

Windows

If you use blinds turn the louvers so that rising heat is directed into the building not into (and out) the windows. If you use drapes, use heavy tight fitting curtains in the winter. Open south facing blinds in the winter and close them in the summer.

Fireplace

Provide fresh air to it, not conditioned air- open a nearby window slightly. Close the damper, seal or cover the opening when you are not using it. In the summer open the damper to draw in cool out door air.

Woodstove

If you have a wood stove put a fan near it to circulate the hot air (and get some fresh make up air to it).

Refrigerators

Set the temperature to between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cover drafty windows, seal leaks around doors and windows.

Turn off electrical items you are not using!   Don’t forget, when things are “off” they may be in “standby” still consuming electricity, really turn them off.

Wash clothes in cold water when possible and keep your dryer’s lint trap clean.

WATER

Change your shower heads to low flow units, this is generally easy to do.

Make sure the aerators are in place on your sink faucet. Better yet, talk to your plumber about installing under the counter water saving devices.

MAINTENANCE COSTS

Keep Your Gutters Clean, this prevents ice damming and expensive leaks.

Keep Plantings Away from Your Home and let your siding breathe! This will inhibit rot in the siding and eventually the framing. Treat your decks every two years or so (there are some environmentally and people friendly products), this will help preserve the decking. Also, keep leaves and debris from building up on them.

Bath Fans and Kitchen Range Hoods evacuate moist air from inside the home which contributes to mold and rot.

If You Find Rot… Don’t Paint Over It! Fix the problem while it’s cheap to fix!