Below are some checklists for your home to keep it in the best possible condition.
12 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Heating Bill
- Reduce the thermostat setting to 68 degrees The slightest reduction in your thermostat setting can substantially lower your heating costs.
- Set back the thermostat at night and when you leave home
Setting the thermostat back 10 degrees at night or when the house is unoccupied can save up to 15% in heating costs. The furnace will have to run more to reheat the house, but the energy saved while the home is cooler more than offsets the extra run time to reheat the home.
- Install a programmable thermostat
Programmable thermostats allow you to reduce your home’s temperature at night and during the day while still having the home warm when you wake up or come home from work. Some programmable thermostats cost less than $50 and can be installed by homeowners.
- Change the furnace filter monthly
Clogged furnace filters lower the heater’s efficiency by preventing proper airflow through the furnace. Low-cost filters are available from your local hardware store. Check filters monthly to see if they need to be changed.
- Have the furnace “tuned up” annually
Having your furnace cleaned and tuned annually helps the heating system operate safely and efficiently. Tuning may involve resetting the fuel-air mixture for proper combustion, as well as cleaning the blower and burners to assure maximum airflow and complete combustion. New furnaces don’t need to be cleaned and tuned for the first few years.
- Let sunshine in south windows
Open drapes on the south side of your home during winter days and close them at night. Sun angles are low in winter, allowing substantial solar heating through all south windows.
- Check and replace weather stripping on doors and windows
Air leaks around faulty weather stripping on doors and windows not only make your home drafty but they also increase heating costs. Check for drafts, and repair or replace worn stripping.
- Close storm windows and doors
Storm windows installed over primary windows are almost as good as double-pane windows for reducing heat loss, but they only work if they are kept closed. Be sure all of your storm windows are properly closed when cold weather arrives.
- Operate kitchen and bath vents minimally
Bath and kitchen vents exhaust moisture, along with heated air, to the outside. If your home is dry during the winter, you may not need to operate these vents at all. However, if you have condensation on windows, operate the vents as needed to remove cooking and bathing moisture.
- Lower the thermostat set-point on your water heater
Keep water temperatures at about 120 degrees. You can check your water temperature by carefully placing the back of your hand under a steady stream of hot water- if you can’t keep you hand there, your water is too hot.
- Install a water heater blanket
Older water heaters may not have adequate insulation. Installing an insulating water heater jacket can save energy costs. Be careful to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Reduce hot water use
Reducing hot water use reduces the cost of heating water. Low-flow shower heads save water as well as energy. Using the cold water setting on your washing machine and repairing leaky faucets will save on water and water-heating costs.
Home Checklist for Fall
Foundation and Basement
- Inspect for signs of termite infestation
- Check grading to assure that water will drain away from the foundation
- Check basement or crawl space for dampness and/or leakage following wet weather
Grounds and Yard
- Drain outside water lines and hoses
- Clean area wells, window wells, and storm drains
- Check safety and reverse mechanism on electric garage door operators; adjust if needed
Roof
- Check vent louvers as well as chimney caps and housings for bird nests, etc.
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Trim back tree limbs near or overhanging the roof
- Sweep debris from flat or low sloped roofs
Exterior Walls
- Remove vines growing on exterior walls and siding
- All bushes should be trimmed away from building
- Evaluate all exposed wood exterior areas; apply sealants/paint or replace as needed
Electrical System
- Check condition of lamp cords, extension cords, and plugs. Replace at first sign of wear or damage
- Check exposed and overhead wiring for damage and missing insulation. Replace or repair as needed
- Test ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI’s)
Heating and Cooling
- Clean dirt and dust from around furnace
- Remove window air conditioners for winter
- Have heating and cooling system checked by a qualified service person
- Service humidifier and/or dehumidifier
Plumbing
- Check water heater
- Check flush valves, faucets, hose bibs, and supply and drainage piping, including those in basement and/or crawl space
- Drain exterior water lines
Doors and Windows
- Check weather-stripping for damage and tightness of fit
- Check and lubricate window hardware
Interior Surfaces
- Check all joints in ceramic tile, laminated plastics, and similar surfaces
- Check grouting around tubs, showers, and sinks
Fireplaces