Spring and Summer Energy Saving Tips

•  Get an annual AC tune up, ideally earlier in the spring. During a tune up, your HVAC technician will clean the system, perform preventative maintenance, ensure proper fluid levels and take other steps to optimize energy efficiency and prevent sudden breakdowns.
• Seal and insulate. You want to keep hot air out and cool air in, so take some time to inspect your home for air leaks and poor attic insulation.
• Keep AC vents clear. Check all of your vents to make sure they’re open, free of dust, directing air toward the center of the room and not blocked by any rugs or carpets
• Block the sun. Keeping shades or blinds drawn on sun-facing windows is essential to keeping your home cool. Some window treatments work better than others, like reflective shades, blackout drapes and honeycomb blinds.
• Use ceiling and pedestal fans but make sure ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise for summer and that you don’t leave fans running in empty rooms. Fans don’t cool air — just people!
• Upgrade to a smart thermostat. The latest thermostats can be controlled from anywhere with the tap of a smartphone, making it easy to warm things up a few degrees when you’re away from home. Many smart thermostats can even learn your heating and cooling habits and anticipate your home comfort needs to save you money.
• Learn to love your microwave and grill. Outdoor grilling and microwave cooking are two ways to prepare food without generating extra heat. When only baking will do, consider making smaller portions you can pop in a toaster oven.
• Curb daytime use of other big appliances like dryers and dishwashers which put out a good deal of unwanted heat. Try wait until after dark to run these and other large appliances.
• Upgrade to LED light bulbs which stay cool to the touch, all while drawing a fraction of the power used by incandescent and fluorescent bulbs.
• Make window upgrades. This can appear costly but it’s one that pays you back over time in energy efficiency and comfort. If your windows are single-pane or aged and drafty, the energy savings could be significant

Fall and Winter Energy Saving Tips

Basically, the more heat you are able to keep in your home, the less heat your furnace or boiler needs to produce and the less heating oil you will consume, lowering your energy costs. Use these tips to ensure that heat stays in your home. Some of them cost just a little but they may help you save big.

• Caulk those windows- Your home loses 25% of its heat through leaky windows and doors that aren’t insulated correctly.   
• Open blinds, drapes and curtains during a sunny day. Close them at night to keep heat inside.
• Close fireplace dampers and kitchen exhaust vents when not in use.
• Don’t block heating vents or heating baseboard with furniture, carpeting or drapery.
• Repair all hot water faucet leaks. Even little drips can add up to big dollars!
• Turn off computers, monitors and unnecessary electronic devices when not in use.
• When it’s cold, put up your storm windows and/or cover them with plastic.
• Check your insulation each fall. Well-placed insulation (especially in the attic) can help you save a bundle.
• Unless you’ve got a newer water heater that already has built-in insulation, buy an insulated “jacket” to keep costs down, especially if your heater is in an unheated place like a garage.
• Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.
• Look for the ENERGY STAR® label on home appliances and products. ENERGY STAR products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. By purchasing them you may also be eligible for tax rebates just for upgrading to a high efficiency unit.