Summerize & Save

Do a quick energy audit of your home

• Check each window and exterior door for tightness.  Air leaks are a major source of energy infficiency.  If a dollar bill slips easily through the gap around your door, you are losing valuable cool air and allowing heat in your home.  Check out numerous weatherstripping products to fill the gap.
• Pass a moist hand around the edge of your doors and windows on a windy day, or hold a candle flame around the edge.  If you feel a draft, or if the flame flickers, you need caulking and/or weatherstripping.

Don't forget that air infiltration can occur nearly anywhere.

• For leaks around electrical outlets and light switches plate sealers will help.
• For leaks from air conditioning ducts, use duct wrap.
• For drafts around doors, windows, vents, outside light fixtures, gaps at exterior corners in in the joints between the fireplace chimney and wall, use caulking and weatherstripping.

More Helpful Hints

Air Conditioner

• Check air conditioning filters frequently and replace them when they are dirty.
• Don't try to vary the temperature between different rooms in you home by closing duct outlets.  Doing so may unbalance the system and reduce its efficiency.
• When you are away for several hours, turn the air conditioner off.
• Keep the thermost at 78°F in the summer -- a comfortable temperature for most people.
• Every degree of temperature decrease results in a 4% increase in your utility bill.

Household Chores

• Typical kitchen chores can add unwanted heat and humidity to your home.
• During summer months, plan meals that require little or no cooking.
• Use your microwave oven or cook outdoors whenever possible to reduce any unncecessary sources or heat.
• If you use your oven, carefuly set a metal container of cold water in the oven after you are finished cooking to absorb the heat. This also provides a source of hot water for clean-up.  Be sure to use a protective covering, like a pot holder, to handle the heated container.

Landscaping

• Blocking the sun's energy before it reaches your house is the most effective method of fighting summer heat.  Use grass, shrubs, trees and flowers to reduce the heat directly outside of your home normally reclected by driveways, sidewalks and other paved areas.

Window Decorating

• For draperies, use tightly-woven fabrics to reduce the amount of heat gain.
• Lower your window shades to reflect much of the sun's energy back through the window.
• Use solar control films which stick to the window panes to reduce glare without obstructing the view.