Energy Hot Tips: Install these energy-efficient measures

• Replace and recycle your old refrigerator and purchase energy-efficient models. Units only 10 years old can use twice as much electricity as a new ENERGY STAR® labeled model.
• Insulate ceilings to R-30 or higher if your attic has less than R-11 levels.
• Caulk windows, doors and anywhere air leaks in or out. Do not caulk around water heater and furnace exhaust pipes.
• Weather-strip around windows and doors.
• Wrap heating and cooling ducts with duct wrap, or use mastic sealant.
• Install energy-saver shower heads.
• When buying new appliances, be sure to purchase energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® labeled models.
• Set the furnace thermostat at 68 degrees or lower, and the air-conditioner thermostat at 78 degrees or higher, health permitting. 3 percent to 5 percent more energy is used for each degree the furnace is set above 68 degrees and for each degree the air conditioner is set below 78 degrees.
• If your old air conditioner is on its way out replace it with ENERGY STAR® labeled energy-efficient model.
• Use compact fluorescent lamps. You can lower your lighting bill by converting to energy-efficient low-wattage compact fluorescent lighting and fixtures.
• Replace old windows with new high performance dual pane windows.
• Clean or replace furnace and air-conditioner filters regularly, following manufacturer's instructions.
• Set the water heater thermostat at 140 degrees or "normal." If you have a dishwasher. Otherwise, set it at 120 degrees or "low." Check your dishwasher to see if you can use 120 degree water. Follow the manufacturer's direction on yearly maintenance to extend the life of your unit.
• Fix defective plumbing or dripping faucets. A single dripping hot water faucet can waste 212 gallons of water a month. That not only increases water bills, but also increases the gas or electric bill for heating the water.
• Wash only full loads in a dishwasher and use the shortest cycle that will get your dishes clean. If operating instructions allow, turn off the dishwasher before the drying cycle, open the door and let the dishes dry naturally.
• Defrost refrigerators and freezers before ice buildup becomes 1/4-inch thick.
• Install shades, awnings or sunscreens on windows facing south and/or west to block summer light. In winter, open shades on sunny days to help warm rooms.
• Close the damper when the fireplace is not being used. Try not to use the fireplace and central heating system at the same time.

Cold-Climate Window Tips

• Cold-Climate Windows Keep Heat In
  Double-pane windows with low-e coating on the glass reflect heat back into the room during the winter months.
• You can use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. Remember, the plastic must be sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.
• Install tight-fitting, insulating window shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.
• Close your curtains and shades at night; open them during the day.
• Keep windows on the south side of your house clean to let in the winter sun.
• Install exterior or interior storm windows; storm windows can reduce heat loss through the windows by 25% to 50%. Storm windows should have weather-stripping at all movable joints; be made of strong, durable materials; and have interlocking or overlapping joints. Low-e storm windows save even more energy.
• Repair and weatherize your current storm windows, if necessary.

Warm-Climate Windows Keep Heat Out

• In the summertime, the sun shining through your windows heats up the room. Windows with low-e coatings on the glass reflect some of the sunlight, keeping your rooms cooler.

Warm-Climate Window Tips

• Install white window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house.
• Close curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day.
• Install awnings on south- and west-facing windows.
• Apply sun-control or other reflective films on south-facing windows to reduce solar gain.

Long-Term Savings Tip

• Installing, high-performance windows will improve your home's energy performance. While it may take many years for new windows to pay off in energy savings, the benefits of added comfort and improved aesthetics and functionality may make the investment worth it to you. Many window technologies are available that are worth considering.
• Efficient windows may have two or more panes of glass, warm-edge spacers between the window panes, improved framing materials, and low-e coating(s), which are microscopically thin coatings that help keep heat inside during the winter and outside during the summer.

Shopping Tips for Windows

• Check with Sungate Energy Solutions to learn what rebates or other financial incentives are available for window replacement.
• High-performance windows have at least two panes of glass and a low-e (low emissivity) coating.
• Remember, the lower the U-factor, the better the insulation. In colder climates, focus on finding a low U-factor.
• Low solar heat gain coefficients (SHGCs) reduce heat gain. In warm climates, look for a low SHGC.
• In temperate climates with both heating and cooling seasons, select windows with both low U-factors and low SHGCs to maximize energy savings.
• Look for whole-unit U-factors and SHGCs, rather than center-of-glass, or COG, U-factors and SHGCs. Whole-unit numbers more accurately reflect the energy performance of the entire product.
• Have your windows installed by Sungate Energy Solutions trained professionals. This way, you can be sure they're installed according to manufacturer's instructions. This also insures that your warranty will be valid.