Hot Water Savings

Lower the temperature on your tank .

Almost all hot water heaters have a temperature control. Lower it! Typically we set them higher than we need to and then we mix in cold to cool it down. Your showers will still be as hot as you like when you use less cold water.

Install a timer.

If you heat with electric hot water heaters, install a timer to turn on a couple of hours before typical use- AM showers, dishwashing in the evening. Why heat hot water when you are not home.

Consider an On-Demand hot water heater for up to 30% savings .

These are tank less devices that can install just about anywhere. Even if you don't have a chimney. They only heat the water when you turn on the faucet and they are highly efficient. The hot water is endless! No tanks to run out!

Wrap your tank and pipes.

Purchase an inexpensive, insulated tank and pipe wraps. They a very effective and easy to install.

Shorter Showers.

Use a timer. You'll be surprised how much you can save and how quickly you can get used to less time in the shower. Take a good, long hot shower or bath once a week as a treat!

Appliances

Use only Energy Star rated appliances.

From your furnace to your dishwasher, just about every appliance made today has Energy Star model. They are no more expensive than un rated versions and save you big!

Unplug those Phantom Power devices.

Phantom Power device are those appliances in your home that use power, even when turned off! Heaters, toasters, PCs and laptops, televisions and stereos all fall into this category.

Rechargeable devices like cell phones and personal stereos only take about 20-30 minutes to charge full but most people charge them all night.

Use power strips to plug in entertainment centers and when done, first turn off the equipment then turn off the power strip.

Wash and dry full loads.

Most studies say cold water washing is as effective in cleaning and disinfecting as hot. Keep the loads full and rack or line dry when possible.

General Construction

Insulate.

You may need to hire a building inspector who does energy audits to determine your needs but they can inspect and make recommendations as to areas needing attention. Hint: Don't hire an inspector who also does insulating work. Attics,wall sockets, window and door moldings are all common places for heat and cooling to escape and are easy and inexpensive to repair.

WIndows and Doors

Replace old leaky windows and doors with new replacement windows and doors. They install in a day or two and can be done year round. Vinyl replacement windows with Low-E and Argon gas work best and come in a variety of wood grains and colors. They have a much longer effective life and can save up to 25% off your heating and cooling bills.

Siding

If you are looking a new siding be sure to have 3/4" insulation installed underneath. It costs a little more to install, but can save you up to 25% off heating and cooling bills by eliminating framing loss on even the best insulated homes.

Programmable Thermostats can save huge!

According to the US Department of energy, a $50.00 programmable thermostat can save you 10% on your heating bill by setting it just 7 degrees lower when you are asleep or not at home.

Heating and Cooling

Check and Change you furnace filter regularly. At leasy once a month.

Keep those devices cleaned, charged and maintained for maximum efficiency.

Consider replacing old furnaces, boilers and air conditioning systems. New systems can be up to 97% efficient for huge savings!

Keep the curtains open during the day on the south side of your home in winter and closed to sun exposure during summer.

Call us at Eclipse Home Improvement for all of your energy saving needs!

(207)749-2274

sales@eclipsehi.com