Do-It-Yourself Maintenance Tips / Bill’s Fantastic Energy Saving FormulaChoosing the Right BulbLighting DimmerThermostat SettingCleaning Lighting FixturesDishwasher Cycle OptionsFull DishwasherChoosing the Right DishwasherPreheating OvenDon’t Over DryBurnersLoading DishWasherDrying Full LoadsSet Appliance at Lower TempKeeping the Freezer FullClean FridgeRefrigerator TempUnplugging AppliancesRefrigeration SealingWrap Your Water HeaterCompact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)FansClose Windows in DaytimeExhaust FanOpen WindowsClean AC UnitAfter HoursSeal AC GapsShaded AC UnitsRaising ThermostatAttic InsulationCeiling InsulationStorm WindowsStorm DoorsInsulate Water PipesSealing Electrical OutletsInsulating WindowsSealing Weather StripsNatural SunlightSealing LeaksThermostatRootsMildewPipe InsulationWater Moisture in the HomeGarbage DisposalShowerheadsScalding Tap WaterPreventing Kitchen Drain ClogsClean Air CleanerWinterize a Vacant HomeClean HumidifierBrush ExteriorInspect VentilationCheck LevelRemove DebrisCheck Filter
Today we hear a lot about strategies to reduce the rate we pay for our heating fuel. I believe the “lowest hanging fruit” is available to most by lowering usage!
Let’s focus on reducing consumption of natural gas in our homes. Think critically about how natural gas is consumed in your home. Become “aware” of all the devices in your home that use natural gas.
Replace incandescent bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) -- CFLs can give the same amount and quality of light as incandescent bulbs, yet use one-third the amount of energy and last ten times longer. A CFL can save over $30 in electricity costs over the lamp's lifetime compared to an incandescent bulb and save 2,000 times their own weight in green house gases.
Use dimmer switches or timers on lights. Savings: 7-10 percent of lighting costs.
Set your water heater thermostat at the lowest temperature that provides you with sufficient hot water, but not lower than 120* F. For most households, 120* F water is fine. If you use a lot of hot water, you may need to set the temperature higher to provide enough hot water for your needs.
Keep bulbs and fixtures clean. Dirt will absorb the light and reduce the efficiency.
Choose a dishwasher with several wash cycle selections. If your dishes are only slightly dirty, you can use the light or energy-saving wash cycle, it uses less water and runs for a shorter period of time.
Operate your dishwasher at full capacity. And if the manufacturer's instructions permit, open the door of the dishwasher at the end of the last rinse cycle, rather than using the drying cycle.
Choose the right size dishwasher for your home. Standard capacity models hold more than 8 place settings and 6 serving pieces. Compact capacity models hold 8 place settings and six serving pieces or less. If you have to operate a compact model more frequently, you may actually use more energy than you would with a standard model over time.
Don't preheat your oven. And try to avoid "peeking" by opening the oven door. Each "peek" can lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees.
Don't over-dry clothes that you are going to iron. Take clothes out of the dryer while they are still slightly damp to reduce the need for ironing - another big energy user.
Use the smallest pan necessary to do the job. Match the pan size to the element size. For example, a 6" pan on an 8" burner can waste over 40% of the heat produced by the burner.
Load the washing machine to capacity. Washing one large load will take less energy than washing two loads on a low or medium setting. When you don't have a full load, match the water level to the size of the load.
Dry full loads when possible, but be careful not to overfill the dryer, because air needs to circulate around the clothes.
Use lower temperature settings on your washing machine, preferably the cold water cycle, and only use cold for rinses. The temperature of the rinse water does not affect cleaning.
Keep the freezer full of something, such as loaves of bread or milk jugs filled with water, to keep the cold air inside the freezer even when the door is open.
Keep the fridge clean - extra containers require a refrigerator to work harder.
Make sure your refrigerator and freezer are not running too cold. The temperature in your refrigerator should be 38-40 degree F, and the freezer 0 to 5 degrees.
Reduce your annual energy bill by as much as $160 by unplugging and properly disposing of your extra refrigerator or freezer.
Make sure the seals on your refrigerator, freezer and oven doors fit tightly. Easily perform this test by leaving a lit flashlight inside a closed appliance and if you see light around the gasket, replace the gasket.
Use Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs). Standard incandescent light bulbs lose 90% of their energy as heat. CFLs produce only a fraction of the heat and do not waste electricity.
Use fans in your windows to draw in cooler night air. Close the windows during the day to keep the cooler air in.
Close window blinds or drapes in the daytime summer hours. Sunlight shining in windows usually adds the largest amount of unwanted summertime heat. During the hottest weather, keep windows closed to keep hot air from blowing into your home. In the evening and early in the morning, open windows to allow cooler air in.
Use an exhaust fan to blow hot air out of your kitchen while cooking. The savings in your cooling costs far outweigh the electricity use of the fan.
Instead of an air conditioner, open windows on opposite sides of the house for cross-ventilation.
Clean air conditioner filters regularly, keep the front and back of air conditioners unobstructed.
In warmer weather, delay heat-producing tasks, such as dishwashing, baking, or doing laundry, until the cooler evening hours.
Seal gaps along the sides of your air conditioner to keep the outside air from seeping in.
Room air conditioners work best when kept out of direct sunlight. Install them near shade trees or on the north side of the house if possible.
You can save up to 3% on your cooling costs for every degree you raise your thermostat in the summer. For example, raising it from 73 to 78 degrees can save up to 15% in cooling costs.
Insulate attic access and basement trap doors with R-19 insulation. Savings: 1-3 percent of heating/cooling costs.
Install proper ceiling insulation to at least R-30 standards. Insulate walls, floors and heating ducts, too. Savings: up to 25% of heating and cooling costs.
Install storm or thermal (replacement) windows. These tightly fitting windows give the benefit of double-pane glass. Air trapped between the two panes acts as a thermal insulator, keeping your heated air inside where it belongs. Be sure to get windows that have the new super-efficient, low-emissivity glazing.
Install storm doors to prevent warm air from escaping to the outside and remove window air conditioners in the winter, if possible. If not possible, use an insulated cover. This tip could save you up to 15% on your heating costs.
Insulate hot water pipes that provide heat to the rooms in your home. This will reduce heat loss in un-insulated areas and will help your heating system work more efficiently.
Seal off electric receptacles and switch boxes with foam gaskets or fiberglass insulation. Savings: 1-3 percent of heating/cooling costs.
Use clear plastic sheets to insulate windows during the heating season. Savings: 2-7 percent of heating/cooling costs.
By caulking and weather-stripping, you can cut your heating bills up to 10%. Weather-strip doors and windows, and caulk air leaks around windows, door frames, pipes and ducts.
During the day, let sunlight in by opening curtains, blinds and shades over the windows facing the sun to keep your home warm and reduce heating needs. At night or when the sky is overcast, keep drapes and curtains closed to keep warmth indoors.
Seal any leaks in your heating or cooling system ducts. Also, fix leaks in water/steam heat pipes. Savings: 5-25 percent of heating/cooling costs.
By turning down your thermostat 1 degree F, you can save 25-30 gallons of heating oil per year. That's up to 3% of an average home's yearly consumption, or between $105-$128 per year at a recent average rate of heating oil ($4.26/gallon).
Roots can be a big problem. They can grow into the joints of the pipes. A little "root-x" flushed down the toilet can reduce the growth of roots in your pipes. It needs to sit in the pipes overnight, so do it before bed.
You can help to avoid mildew problems with these preventative actions. Ventilate basements or run dehumidifiers to dry the air, walls and furnishings. Don’t hang wet clothes in your closets. Keep your showers and tubs clean of soap-scum so that they dry quicker. Air-out your bathroom cabinets and kitchen sink cabinet often.
Insulate those pipes before it gets cold! When temperatures are at or below freezing, running a steady drop of hot and cold water from your faucets may keep your pipes from freezing. If your pipes are not insulated, they can freeze even with a small flow of water. So, insulate those pipes! But beware; insulated pipes can freeze when there is no water movement to keep the pipes warm.
Make sure that vents (with a ventilating fan) are installed in your kitchen and baths. These rooms can produce a lot of moisture. Ventilating fans are great but will be of no use if they are not turned on! So make sure that you use them!
Use cold water when the disposal is operating. You can clean your disposal by grinding ice cubes. When your disposal needs a little freshening, just grind some lemon peels. Of course, you should read your maintenance manual.
Weak or changing water pressure usually points to a mineral buildup in the showerhead. Clean the outlet holes with a pin or unscrew the faceplate and soak it overnight in vinegar. Scrub it clean before replacing it on the showerhead.
Thousands of people are scalded by tap water every year. The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association recommends that the full-on hot water temperature at the faucet be set between 120° and 125° F.
A clogged drain can be so frustrating; and, of course, it happens more often than we care to think about! Usually, kitchen sink drains clog because of a build-up of grease. The grease traps food particles, which eventually clogs the drain. Now, the bathroom drains are a different story. They are usually clogged by hair and soap. So, take some simple precautions to avoid this situation.
The pre-filter and collection cells of an electronic air cleaner should be cleaned at least two or three times per year.
Preparing your plumbing for the winter is a wise alternative to frozen pipes.
Clean your humidifier at the beginning of every heating season. Review your owner’s manual for the proper procedure to clean the evaporator pad and external components.
If the exterior of your outdoor coil becomes dirty, use a brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to clean the surface. To clean dirt that is deep in the coil, contact an Blind & Sons representative to schedule maintenance.
Inspect your furnace’s combustion area and vent system before each heating season. If you find dirt, soot or rust, your system may not operate properly or at its peak efficiency. Call Blind & Sons and do not operate your furnace until it is professionally inspected and/or repaired.
Make sure your outdoor coil stays in a level position. If the support for your outdoor coil shifts or settles and the unit is no longer level, re-level it to make sure moisture drains properly out from under the unit.
Keep your outdoor condensing unit free of debris. If you keep grass clippings, leaves, shrubbery and debris away from your outdoor unit, it should only require minimal care. Check the base pan (under the unit) occasionally and remove debris to help the unit drain properly.
Check the air filter in your furnace or fan coil each month. A dirty filter will cause excessive wear on your furnace, air conditioner or heat pump. Replace your filter when necessary, or clean it if you have the reusable type. (If you have a reusable filter, make sure it’s completely dry before you re-install it.)
Let’s focus on reducing consumption of natural gas in our homes. Think critically about how natural gas is consumed in your home. Become “aware” of all the devices in your home that use natural gas.
- Central heating: one or more furnaces or boilers.
- Porch heaters.
- Garage Heaters.
- Gas Fireplaces.
- Stoves or ovens that are fueled by natural gas.
- Water heater.
- Clothes Dryer.
- General recommendations.
Replace incandescent bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) -- CFLs can give the same amount and quality of light as incandescent bulbs, yet use one-third the amount of energy and last ten times longer. A CFL can save over $30 in electricity costs over the lamp's lifetime compared to an incandescent bulb and save 2,000 times their own weight in green house gases.
Use dimmer switches or timers on lights. Savings: 7-10 percent of lighting costs.
Set your water heater thermostat at the lowest temperature that provides you with sufficient hot water, but not lower than 120* F. For most households, 120* F water is fine. If you use a lot of hot water, you may need to set the temperature higher to provide enough hot water for your needs.
Keep bulbs and fixtures clean. Dirt will absorb the light and reduce the efficiency.
Choose a dishwasher with several wash cycle selections. If your dishes are only slightly dirty, you can use the light or energy-saving wash cycle, it uses less water and runs for a shorter period of time.
Operate your dishwasher at full capacity. And if the manufacturer's instructions permit, open the door of the dishwasher at the end of the last rinse cycle, rather than using the drying cycle.
Choose the right size dishwasher for your home. Standard capacity models hold more than 8 place settings and 6 serving pieces. Compact capacity models hold 8 place settings and six serving pieces or less. If you have to operate a compact model more frequently, you may actually use more energy than you would with a standard model over time.
Don't preheat your oven. And try to avoid "peeking" by opening the oven door. Each "peek" can lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees.
Don't over-dry clothes that you are going to iron. Take clothes out of the dryer while they are still slightly damp to reduce the need for ironing - another big energy user.
Use the smallest pan necessary to do the job. Match the pan size to the element size. For example, a 6" pan on an 8" burner can waste over 40% of the heat produced by the burner.
Load the washing machine to capacity. Washing one large load will take less energy than washing two loads on a low or medium setting. When you don't have a full load, match the water level to the size of the load.
Dry full loads when possible, but be careful not to overfill the dryer, because air needs to circulate around the clothes.
Use lower temperature settings on your washing machine, preferably the cold water cycle, and only use cold for rinses. The temperature of the rinse water does not affect cleaning.
Keep the freezer full of something, such as loaves of bread or milk jugs filled with water, to keep the cold air inside the freezer even when the door is open.
Keep the fridge clean - extra containers require a refrigerator to work harder.
Make sure your refrigerator and freezer are not running too cold. The temperature in your refrigerator should be 38-40 degree F, and the freezer 0 to 5 degrees.
Reduce your annual energy bill by as much as $160 by unplugging and properly disposing of your extra refrigerator or freezer.
Make sure the seals on your refrigerator, freezer and oven doors fit tightly. Easily perform this test by leaving a lit flashlight inside a closed appliance and if you see light around the gasket, replace the gasket.
Use Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs). Standard incandescent light bulbs lose 90% of their energy as heat. CFLs produce only a fraction of the heat and do not waste electricity.
Use fans in your windows to draw in cooler night air. Close the windows during the day to keep the cooler air in.
Close window blinds or drapes in the daytime summer hours. Sunlight shining in windows usually adds the largest amount of unwanted summertime heat. During the hottest weather, keep windows closed to keep hot air from blowing into your home. In the evening and early in the morning, open windows to allow cooler air in.
Use an exhaust fan to blow hot air out of your kitchen while cooking. The savings in your cooling costs far outweigh the electricity use of the fan.
Instead of an air conditioner, open windows on opposite sides of the house for cross-ventilation.
Clean air conditioner filters regularly, keep the front and back of air conditioners unobstructed.
In warmer weather, delay heat-producing tasks, such as dishwashing, baking, or doing laundry, until the cooler evening hours.
Seal gaps along the sides of your air conditioner to keep the outside air from seeping in.
Room air conditioners work best when kept out of direct sunlight. Install them near shade trees or on the north side of the house if possible.
You can save up to 3% on your cooling costs for every degree you raise your thermostat in the summer. For example, raising it from 73 to 78 degrees can save up to 15% in cooling costs.
Insulate attic access and basement trap doors with R-19 insulation. Savings: 1-3 percent of heating/cooling costs.
Install proper ceiling insulation to at least R-30 standards. Insulate walls, floors and heating ducts, too. Savings: up to 25% of heating and cooling costs.
Install storm or thermal (replacement) windows. These tightly fitting windows give the benefit of double-pane glass. Air trapped between the two panes acts as a thermal insulator, keeping your heated air inside where it belongs. Be sure to get windows that have the new super-efficient, low-emissivity glazing.
Install storm doors to prevent warm air from escaping to the outside and remove window air conditioners in the winter, if possible. If not possible, use an insulated cover. This tip could save you up to 15% on your heating costs.
Insulate hot water pipes that provide heat to the rooms in your home. This will reduce heat loss in un-insulated areas and will help your heating system work more efficiently.
Seal off electric receptacles and switch boxes with foam gaskets or fiberglass insulation. Savings: 1-3 percent of heating/cooling costs.
Use clear plastic sheets to insulate windows during the heating season. Savings: 2-7 percent of heating/cooling costs.
By caulking and weather-stripping, you can cut your heating bills up to 10%. Weather-strip doors and windows, and caulk air leaks around windows, door frames, pipes and ducts.
During the day, let sunlight in by opening curtains, blinds and shades over the windows facing the sun to keep your home warm and reduce heating needs. At night or when the sky is overcast, keep drapes and curtains closed to keep warmth indoors.
Seal any leaks in your heating or cooling system ducts. Also, fix leaks in water/steam heat pipes. Savings: 5-25 percent of heating/cooling costs.
By turning down your thermostat 1 degree F, you can save 25-30 gallons of heating oil per year. That's up to 3% of an average home's yearly consumption, or between $105-$128 per year at a recent average rate of heating oil ($4.26/gallon).
Roots can be a big problem. They can grow into the joints of the pipes. A little "root-x" flushed down the toilet can reduce the growth of roots in your pipes. It needs to sit in the pipes overnight, so do it before bed.
You can help to avoid mildew problems with these preventative actions. Ventilate basements or run dehumidifiers to dry the air, walls and furnishings. Don’t hang wet clothes in your closets. Keep your showers and tubs clean of soap-scum so that they dry quicker. Air-out your bathroom cabinets and kitchen sink cabinet often.
Insulate those pipes before it gets cold! When temperatures are at or below freezing, running a steady drop of hot and cold water from your faucets may keep your pipes from freezing. If your pipes are not insulated, they can freeze even with a small flow of water. So, insulate those pipes! But beware; insulated pipes can freeze when there is no water movement to keep the pipes warm.
Make sure that vents (with a ventilating fan) are installed in your kitchen and baths. These rooms can produce a lot of moisture. Ventilating fans are great but will be of no use if they are not turned on! So make sure that you use them!
Use cold water when the disposal is operating. You can clean your disposal by grinding ice cubes. When your disposal needs a little freshening, just grind some lemon peels. Of course, you should read your maintenance manual.
Weak or changing water pressure usually points to a mineral buildup in the showerhead. Clean the outlet holes with a pin or unscrew the faceplate and soak it overnight in vinegar. Scrub it clean before replacing it on the showerhead.
Thousands of people are scalded by tap water every year. The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association recommends that the full-on hot water temperature at the faucet be set between 120° and 125° F.
A clogged drain can be so frustrating; and, of course, it happens more often than we care to think about! Usually, kitchen sink drains clog because of a build-up of grease. The grease traps food particles, which eventually clogs the drain. Now, the bathroom drains are a different story. They are usually clogged by hair and soap. So, take some simple precautions to avoid this situation.
- Don't pour grease down the kitchen sink.
- Don't wash coffee grounds down the sink.
- Use chemical cleaners only when necessary. Some chemicals can corrode metal pipes.
- Clean tub and shower drain strainers that are removable.
- Clean pop-up stoppers in the bathroom sink and the tub regularly. Lift out sink pop-ups once a week and rinse them off.
- Every few months, remove the overflow plate on a tub and pull up the pop-up assembly to reach the spring or rocker arm. Remove accumulated hair and rinse thoroughly.
- Keep sewer pipes from the house free of tree roots.
- Flush the drain-waste and vent systems when you’re on the roof cleaning out your gutters. Use your hose to run water into all of the vents.
The pre-filter and collection cells of an electronic air cleaner should be cleaned at least two or three times per year.
Preparing your plumbing for the winter is a wise alternative to frozen pipes.
- Turn off the water to your home using the main shut-off valve by contacting the water company.
- Open all faucets, both indoors and outside, starting with the upstairs.
- After all water has dripped from the taps, drain the main shut-off valve by opening the plug. You may have to contact the water company.
- Turn off the power or gas to the water heater. Open the drain valve.
- Remove the clean out plugs on all sink traps or remove the traps. When empty, replace them and fill with plumbing antifreeze mixed with water following the directions for care in your climate.
- Add a full quart of antifreeze to tubs and showers since you cannot drain them. Do NOT use in a dishwasher or washing machine.
- If your home has a basement floor drain or a main house trap, fill each with undiluted antifreeze.
Clean your humidifier at the beginning of every heating season. Review your owner’s manual for the proper procedure to clean the evaporator pad and external components.
If the exterior of your outdoor coil becomes dirty, use a brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to clean the surface. To clean dirt that is deep in the coil, contact an Blind & Sons representative to schedule maintenance.
Inspect your furnace’s combustion area and vent system before each heating season. If you find dirt, soot or rust, your system may not operate properly or at its peak efficiency. Call Blind & Sons and do not operate your furnace until it is professionally inspected and/or repaired.
Make sure your outdoor coil stays in a level position. If the support for your outdoor coil shifts or settles and the unit is no longer level, re-level it to make sure moisture drains properly out from under the unit.
Keep your outdoor condensing unit free of debris. If you keep grass clippings, leaves, shrubbery and debris away from your outdoor unit, it should only require minimal care. Check the base pan (under the unit) occasionally and remove debris to help the unit drain properly.
Check the air filter in your furnace or fan coil each month. A dirty filter will cause excessive wear on your furnace, air conditioner or heat pump. Replace your filter when necessary, or clean it if you have the reusable type. (If you have a reusable filter, make sure it’s completely dry before you re-install it.)
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