Robert Darrow, @properties

Floor Vents

Don’t block vents with rugs, furniture, exercise equipment or toys.

Windows

South facing windows – keep the blinds/curtains open in the daytime to maximize solar heat and close them at night for extra “insulation”.

Window and Door Caulking

Caulking is only a temporary water/air barrier. The caulking around every window and door in your home needs routine replacement – on average every 3-4 years. Inspect the exterior caulking of your windows and doors and replace any cracked or missing caulk.

Window and Door Seals

Check the seals and gaskets around your windows and doors.  Missing, cracked, torn or deteriorated seals leak air and money.  Repair or replace as needed.

Water Heater

Most people have their water heater turned up too high.  It takes a lot of energy and money to keep water warm all day while you are at work.  Turn it down to 125 degrees.  You won’t really notice a difference except in your gas bills.  Also, 140 degrees is too hot if you’ve got children.  140 degrees can severely burn them.

Do it at night

Electric rates are lower at night so start the cycles of high consuming appliances like laundry machines and dishwashers just before you go to bed.

Cover your AC Condenser Units

Keep debris and dirt from fouling up your roof top units and keep snow and ice from harming internal parts by covering your AC units for the season.

Safety

You’ll have your home closed up and you’ll be using more combustion appliances in the coming months so make sure that your CO and smoke detector batteries are replaced.  Even though they are hardwired with electric, they also have battery back ups that need periodic replacement.

Comments are closed.