graphic of reference deskNOTES FROM THE INFORMATION DESK

ENERGY TIPS

Take Charge New England
The Massachusetts Office of  Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation is working with the Independent System Operator of New England (ISO) to make households aware of the simple steps they can take to use energy more efficiently and, therefore, reduce energy demand during the heat of summer.

WINDOWS AND DOORS 

  • Repair broken or cracked glass and putty older windows; check to see that windows close properly and window locks pull sashes together.

 

  • Weather-strip windows, doors and attic accesses; caulk the frames around windows and doors from the inside using a clear, pliable caulk.

 

  • Install exterior storm windows, including cellar storm windows.  For windows that are rarely opened, consider installing interior storm windows.

 

  • Upgrade leaky windows. It may be time to replace them with energy-efficient models.

 

  • Make sure doors close properly; repair or replace non-working doorknobs, latches and striker plates.

 

  • Replace standard curtains with insulated or quilted window coverings.

 

DRAFT PROTECTION  

  • Make sure fireplaces are fitted with a tight sealing damper that is closed when the fireplace is not in use.  If a fireplace is used infrequently, use a chimney block to eliminate heat loss.

 

  • Caulk or stuff foundation cracks and openings.  Make sure kitchen and bathroom vent dampers close properly.

 

  • Insulate attics (especially attics with less than seven inches of insulation), walls, and flooring over unheated crawl spaces or cellars.

 

  • Insulate heating ducts and pipes.  Seal duct seams with appropriate tape or sealant specially designed for this purpose.

 

  • Seal up the largest air leaks in your house—the ones that whistle on windy days, or feel drafty. The worst culprits are usually not windows and doors, but utility cut-throughs for pipes ("plumping penetrations"), gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets. Better yet, hire an energy auditor with a blower door to point out where the worst cracks are. All the little, invisible cracks and holes may add up to as much as an open window or door, without you ever knowing it!

 

HEATING SYSTEMS  

  • Tune and clean oil-heating systems every year; tune gas-heating systems every two to three years.

 

  • For hot air heating systems, check the air filter monthly; clean or replace the filter if dirty.  For hot water or steam heating systems, fix any leaks in the distribution system; replace malfunctioning air vents on distribution lines where necessary.

 

  • If replacing a present oil or gas heating system, consider purchasing a high efficiency unit with an Annual Fuel Use Efficiency Rating of 85 percent or more.  Make sure the heating system is properly "sized" for the home; many systems are too large for the space being heated and the result is a considerable waste of energy.

 

  • Clean or replace furnace, air-conditioner, and heat-pump filters.

 

  • Lower thermostat settings to 65-68 degrees or less during high use periods and to 50-60 degrees during sleeping and unoccupied periods.  Experiment with degree settings and make the changes gradually to ensure comfort with the new temperatures.

 

  • Be sure thermostats are accurately calibrated to register correct room temperatures.

 

  • Install automatic setback thermostats that adjust the heat throughout the day.

 

  • If you have one of those silent guzzlers, a waterbed, make your bed today. The covers will insulate it, and save up to one-third of the energy it uses.

 

HOT WATER SAVINGS  

  • Install low flow showerheads and faucet aerators to save energy and water.

 

  • Reduce hot water heater temperature to 120*.

 

  • Check if your water heater has an insulating blanket. An insulating blanket will pay for itself in one year or less!

 

  • Repair leaking hot water faucets, tanks and pipes.

 

  • Insulate hot water pipes and ducts wherever they run through unheated areas.

 

  LIGHTING AND APPLIANCES: CHECK WITH UTILITY FOR AVAILABLE REBATES  

  • Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient fluorescent lights.  Over its lifetime, a fluorescent bulb will between $30 and $50. Survey your incandescent lights for opportunities to replace them with compact fluorescents. These new lamps can save three-quarters of the electricity used by incandescents. The best targets are 60-100 W bulbs used several hours a day. Measure the clearance in the fixtures to make sure they will accommodate compact fluorescents, which are slightly bigger than incandescents.

 

  • Replace large appliances with an energy star appliance; there are often rebates from local utility companies available.

 

  • Move furniture that obstructs air ducts or radiators to dramatically improve the flow of heat in a room."

 

  • Start using energy-saving settings on refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, and clothes dryers.

     

  MORE TIPS…

 

Collect your utility bills. Separate electricity and fuel bills. Target the biggest bill for energy conservation remedies.   For additional energy savings, residential customers can take advantage of the statewide ratepayer funded Massachusetts Home Energy Service by calling its toll-free number 1-866-527-SAVE (7283). One of the services is a free energy audit. Heating oil customers may be eligible for some heating programs through their electric companies. The program includes incentives for such energy efficiency measures as insulation, lighting, and appliances.   

These tips were taken from the Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings ], and the MA Division of Energy Resources websites.

 

 

         

Susan L. Teale
Assistant Library Director
East Longmeadow Public Library
60 Center Square
East Longmeadow, MA  01028
steale@cwmars.org
(413) 525-5400 ext.158

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