Your Guide to Achieving Whole-Home Energy Efficiency

The best way to save on your utility bills is to strive for energy savings in every aspect of your home. Use this guide for help achieving whole-house energy efficiency.

Space Heating and Cooling

Set the thermostat to 78 degrees for cooling and 68 degrees for heating, and program setbacks while you’re away or sleeping.
Check the filter once a month and replace it as needed.
Open the drapes in the winter to let the sun naturally warm and light your home. Close them at night to insulate the windows.
Block direct sunlight in the summer with window coverings and strategic landscaping.
Only run exhaust fans when needed.
Run the ceiling fan in the summer to create cooling airflow at far greater energy efficiency than running the air conditioner by itself.

Lighting

Replace standard incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
Turn off the lights when you leave the room.
Consider motion detectors or timers on certain lights.
Decorate with LED lights for Christmas.

Water Heating

Wash clothes in cold water.
Only run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.
Fix leaks as soon as you find them.
Install low-flow fixtures.
Take shorter showers.
Turn the water heater temperature down to 120 degrees.
Insulate the water heater (if it didn’t come pre-insulated) and the first six feet of piping.
Set the water heater to vacation mode when you go on a trip.

Appliances and Electronics

Look for the Energy Star label when shopping for replacements.
Use the microwave or toaster oven to reheat food.
Keep the fridge and freezer full.
Avoid over-drying your clothes.
Plug electronics into a power strip so you can turn everything off with the flick of a switch.
Unplug power adapters and other electronics when not in use to prevent “energy vampires.”
Set your computer to go to sleep after a certain period of inactivity.

Windows and Insulation

Replace single-pane windows.
Add insulation to the attic.
Look into adding insulation to walls.
Seal air leaks around windows and doors.
Close the chimney damper.

For more energy efficiency tips, please contact us at NisAir Air Conditioning and Heating. We serve Martin, Palm Beach and Indian River counties.