In the Attic

• Attic insulation should have an R-value of R-38 or higher.
  
  
• Seal pipe, ductwork and chimney openings with caulk.
  
  
• Remove vapor barriers (they damage insulation).
  
  
• Add insulation/weather-stripping to the attic hatch so it
  closes tightly.
  
  
• Ensure there is 1 square foot of ventilation per every 150
  square feet of attic.

Ceiling Fan

• Install ceiling fans to circulate warm air more
  efficiently rather than relying solely on a forced air system.

Clothes Dryer

• Install a kit (from your local hardware store) that vents your clothes dryer indoors
  during the winter, adding both heat and moisture to the air.
  
  
• Remove dryer lint after every load; this helps reduce drying time.
  
  
• Dry multiple loads. Since your dryer is already heated after one load, this helps reduce
  drying time of additional loads.
  
  
• Hang clothes outside to dry when weather permits.
  
  
  
  

Curtains/Drapes

•  Open south-facing curtains and drapes in the
    winter and shut them in the summer.
  
  
• To increase insulation around windows, install
  curtains and/or drapes.
  
  
  

Dishwasher

• To adequately wash dishes, water needs to be no higher than 140 degrees Fahrenheit;
  check your dishwasher’s thermostat.
  
  
  

Doors

• If you can see light around a doorframe, if it rattles or you can feel an air draft (using the
  back of your hand) around the frame, add weather stripping.
  
  
  
  

Fireplace

• Close the damper when the fireplace is not in use.
  
  
• Fill the fireplace interior with Styrofoam® when the fireplace is not in use; this
  insulates the cold chimney air from entering the house.
  
  
  
  

Floors

• If you can see light or feel a draft (using the back of your hand), apply caulk or
  weather stripping.
  
  
  
  

Heat Tape

• Older heat tape does not come with a built-in thermostat and runs continuously when
  plugged in; turn it off when the temperature rises above 40 degrees.

Lighting

• Install compact fluorescent light bulbs in place of incandescent bulbs.
  Compact fluorescent bulbs cost significantly more than incandescent bulbs,
  but they last up to ten times longer and use 70 percent less energy. In just a
  few months, compact fluorescents pay for themselves, making up for the initial
  purchase price difference and allowing you to save money each month on lighting.
  
  
  

Refrigerator/Freezer

• Place an envelope in the door of your refrigerator/freezer so it is sticking out. If
  you can easily pull the envelope out, your appliance is wasting energy. Consider
  having the unit resealed.
  
  
  

Shower/Faucet

• A dripping faucet or showerhead costs you about $1 per month; have it repaired.
  
  

Walls

• Electric outlets provide a perfect opening for cold air to enter your house.
  Installing outlet insulators behind outlet covers will prevent this.
  
  
  

Washing Machine

• If you are purchasing a new washing machine, (in general) top-loading machines
  are more energy-efficient than front-loading machines.
  
  
• Washing full loads of clothes conserves more energy than washing smaller loads.
  
  
  

Water Heater

• Insulate pipes exposed to unheated areas of your home.
  
  
• Set your water heater’s maximum temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit; this
  temperature should be adequate for your home’s water heating needs.
  
  
• Cover water heaters with blanket insulation to reduce heat loss and to conserve energy.