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Energy-Saving Tips – Residential

We have provided some energy-saving tips for residential buildings to reduce your energy use at low to no cost.

During Summer

  • Check and/or replace HVAC filters every two months.
  • Use light-colored or reflective shades and drapes to block out direct sunlight during the day.
  • Install solar screens with at least an 85 percent rating.
  • Use a programmable thermostat to reduce interior temperature (up to 5° F) when away from home or at night when sleeping.
  • Use ceilings fans to spot cool occupied areas. The moving air cools you and allows you to raise the temperature by three to five degrees and still be comfortable. Turn off fans when are not present.
  • Air-seal and insulate properly around window A/C units to keep warm air from entering and cooled air from escaping the home.

During Winter

  • Lower the thermostat (3- 5° F) at night and when away.
  • Check and/or replace HVAC filters every two months.
  • Seal any ceiling and wall penetrations around HVAC ducts and recessed lights.
  • Seal around piping in basement, crawl space and/or attic to keep in heated air.
  • Install insulated drapes and open those on the east, west and south during daylight hours to allow solar warming.
  • Replace worn window seals, and caulk any cracks around frames.
  • Close fireplace damper and doors when not in use to stop drafts and save money.
  • Install an insulated cover over attic access or whole house fans to reduce air and keep heat air from escaping.
  • Install insulation box in attic over attic access to keep warm air from attic entering the home.

Year-Round

Lighting:

  • Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) or light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs to reduce wattage by 75 percent (e.g., replace a 60-watt incandescent bulb with a 14-watt CFL bulb).
  • Use occupancy sensors for lighting whenever possible.
  • Seal attic side of recessed lights whenever possible with airtight, insulated boxes to reduce heat loss, using caution to prevent overheating and potential fire.
  • Turn off appliances, and unplug chargers when not in use.
  • Turn of computers when not in use.

Water Heating:

  • Reduce hot water tap temperature to 125°F.
  • Insulate water heaters using approved insulating blanket.
  • Insulate hot water piping.
  • Install low-flow shower heads (< 2.0 GPM) and faucets (< 0.5 GPM).

Refrigerator:

  • Upgrade older refrigerators and freezers to ENERGY STAR®-rated equipment.
  • Unplug and recycle unused refrigerator or freezer.
  • Keep freezers full.

Laundry:

  • Dry clothes on outside clothesline instead of using dryer.
  • Wash clothes in cold water, for which most detergents are formulated.
  • Clean clothes dryer lint trap after each load, and the dryer exhaust vent bi-annually.
  • Upgrade laundry equipment to ENERGY STAR®-rated equipment to save on both water and electricity.

Let Bluegill Energy’s trained and certified professionals make Energy Code and Green Building program compliance cost effective and easy for you!

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  • Mail: 2211 Rayford Rd, Suite 111-213, Spring, TX 77386

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