Apply a Reflective Coating to Your Roof - Roofing coatings are available at your local hardware store. Purchase one that has
both waterproof and reflective properties. These are marketed primarily for mobile homes and recreational vehicles, but can be applied over many common roofing
materials.
Close Fireplace Dampers - Going up the chimney with a bound may be a cool move for Santa, but don't allow your heated or cooled air to make the same quick getaway. When your fireplace is not in use, keep your dampers or glass doors closed.
Ventilate and Insulate Your Attic - Install an attic fan to draw hot air out of your attic. Install louvers and roof vents to reduce the buildup of heat and humidity in your attic. Install R-30 insulation in your attic.
Keep Your Utility Expenditures Out of Hot Water - Unless you are depending on your dishwasher to sterilize baby bottles, set your water heater to 120 degrees. Add insulation to water pipes to reduce heat loss in route from your water heater to your showers and faucets. Install conservation showerheads to eliminate hot water waste.
Replace Aging Appliances with Engergy Star Rated Appliances. - The Energy Star label, designated by the EPA, identifies high efficiency appliances which will often pay for themselves over time through savings on your utility bills. If your house is over forty years old, your insurance carrier may reduce your premiums if you replace the heating and air conditioning equipment, electrical service entrance, and distribution panel. Consult your insurance agent.
Watch Where You Put That - Take care not to position rugs or furniture over or directly in front of supply air or return air vents. Efficient cooling and heating depends on free air flow.
Are You Throwing Money out the Window? Approximately forty percent of the unwanted heat
that builds up in your home comes in through windows. Keep drapes and blinds closed on summer days. Weather strip exterior doors and windows to keep heated and air conditioned air from escaping. Consider investing in double-pane windows.
Create Your Own Micro-Climate - Did you know that trees, shrubs, and vines can creat a micro-climate a full nine degrees cooler than the surrounding environment? Using trellises and vines, you can shade the entire side of a house. Set trellises far enough away from exterior walls to allow air to circulate. (Placing vegetation too close to your house can actually trap heat). Plant deciduous trees; they provide shade in the summer, then lose their leaves and allow sunlight to warm your house in the winter. The taller varieties of trees will shade your roof as well as your walls. Take care not to plant trees with aggressive roots too close to your foundation. Consult your local nurseryman for the right species.
Don't Cool or Heat an Empty House - If your home sits empty a good part of each day, consider investing in a programmable thermostat or manually adjust the temperature when you plan to be away for several hours at a time. Do not shut off your air conditioner or raise the temperature too high on hot days, as heat and humidity can encourage the growth of mold and mildew.
Change Your Air Filter Monthly - A dirty air filter restricts air flow causing your air conditioner or heater to work harder.
Allow Air to Circulate Around Your Outside Condenser Unit - This means pruning any nearby hedges and keeping the grass mowed. Treat the area for fire ants, as needed. Ants commonly build mounds inside condensers and can cause your air conditioning to shut down.
Install Ceiling Fans - Ceiling fans boost the efficiency of your air conditioner in the summer. In most cases, you can set your thermostat a couple of degrees higher while maintaining the same comfort level.
Have Your Air Conditioner Inspected Each Spring. - Poorly maintained air conditioners can waste a tremendous amount of energy. National statistics show that over seventy percent of all air conditioning and compressor outages could be avoided if the equipment was regualarly checked, adjusted, calibrated, and maintained by qualified technicians.
