Free House Repair Tutorials - Lower Electric Bills / Save Energy

There are many features about a home that make a difference in the amount of energy needed for heating, cooling and lighting. Thus, these features can have a major impact on the amount of money you devote to maintaining the winter and summer comfort of occupants. This checklist will help you evaluate the energy-saving potential of various housing features.

Housing features to consider include: Site; House Design; Construction and Insulation; Heating and Cooling System; Color and Lighting.

Construction and Insulation

Insulated glass or storm windows used to reduce heat loss (storm windows and double-pane insulated glass will reduce heat loss by approximately 50 to 51 percent, while triple-pane windows will reduce heat loss by approximately 68 percent).

Storm doors used on all exterior doors (storm doors will reduce heat loss through exterior doors by approximately 35 to 40 percent).

Weatherstripping is installed around jambs of all doors and operable windows (heat losses due to infiltration can increase heating costs by sizeable amounts).

Caulking around all door and window frames is in good condition to reduce infiltration heat loss (caulking normally dries out with time and needs replacing).

Heating ducts/runs are wrapped with insulation except where they pass through heated rooms (metal runs in unheated crawl spaces, basements and attics lose heat to these cold areas). Note: If possible, the system should be designed so heat runs do not pass through unheated areas.

Hot water pipes are wrapped with insulation except where they pass through heated areas (metal or plastic pipes in unheated crawl spaces, basements and attics lose heat to these cold areas Note: If possible, the water supply system should be designed so pipes do not pass through unheated areas.

Attic and gable areas are adequately ventilated (see point above in design features section concerning attic ventilation requirements).

Sill sealer/filler has been placed around top of foundation wall below sill plate (to reduce infiltration into basement area).

Next Page: Heating & Cooling System

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