Building Materials, Heating and Cooling

Build Efficiency at Home

Learn how to reduce energy usage and take advantage of energy-efficient heating and cooling options.

weather

Weatherizing

Upgrade your attic, doors, windows and basement. Use sealants, weather stripping and insulation to make your home more efficient. You’ll be surprised how much energy and money you can save.

Use & Care

  • Weatherize your attic and basement before insulating to avoid leakage
  • Weather seal all windows and doors
  • After weatherizing, inspect caulking and weather stripping once a year
insulation

Insulation

Cut your cooling and heating costs while improving comfort and enjoy more comfortable indoor temperatures year-round. Focus on the attic, walls, floors, basement and crawlspaces. Not sure about the best material to use, check with a professional contractor.

Use & Care

  • Make sure insulation offers a continuous surface with no gaps or cracks, but do not cover electrical equipment
  • Air dry to save 15-50% on operational costs
  • For more tips visit our FAQ & Tips page

Buyers Guide

  • Review the Insulation Buyers Guide chart to identify and calculate the type of insulation you need
  • Consider consulting a knowledgeable contractor about where and what type of insulation to install
windows

Windows

Do your windows leak, rattle or cost you a fortune in energy expenses every year? Let the sunlight in and keep the heat out by upgrading or replacing your old windows to ensure they are in good working order.

Use & Care

  • Clean and replace dried out gaskets
  • Cleaner windows are generally more energy efficient
  • Windows with no major damage – such as rotting wood frames or broken glass – require minimal upkeep

Buyers Guide

  • Consider upgrading to efficient double-pane windows with features such as gas filling and low-e coating
  • For more tips visit our FAQ & Tips page
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Warm Up, Cool Down & Save

Learn how to reduce energy usage and take advantage of energy-efficient heating and cooling options.

Passive

Passive Heating & Cooling

House too cold or too warm? Did you know it’s possible to control your home’s temperature naturally and no electrical equipment is required. Follow these simple techniques to heat and cool your home more cost effectively.

Use & Care

  • Controlling convection, or air movement, prevents heat loss
  • Proper insulation, sealing and window maintenance reduce heat loss and keep homes free of drafts
  • For more tips visit our FAQ and tips page
high intensity

Fans

Proper fan use can help reduce the amount of energy your A/C uses, or even replace it completely. While a typical central air conditioning unit uses 3,500 watts of energy when running, the average ceiling fan uses only 60 watts!

Use & Care

  • Use ceiling fans in rooms with ceilings at least eight feet high
  • Ceiling fans can produce savings up to $200 in 6 months
  • For more tips visit our FAQ & Tips page
AC

Air Conditioning

Don’t let your air conditioner overheat your energy bill. Planting leafy trees and shrubs around your house to block the sun is just one of the many things you can do to cool off while saving more.

Use & Care

  • Raising the thermostat 10-15° F when you’re out may save 5-15% on energy bills
  • Adequate insulation and weatherization helps homes remain comfortably cool
  • For more tips visit our FAQ & Tips page

Buyers Guide

  • Hiring a licensed contractor for installation ensures proper function and efficient operation
  • Look for the Energy Star® logo to ensure quality and efficiency.
  • For more tips visit our FAQ & Tips page
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central heating

Central Heating

Even when it’s extremely cold outside, there are things you can do to stay warm, conserve energy and lower your energy bill. Start with simple things like eliminating drafts around electrical boxes and adjusting door thresholds, and go from there.

Use & Care

  • Seal duct joints with mastic, and use fiberglass insulation to insulate hot air ducts
  • If you can safely turn your pilot on and off yourself, consider turning it off in warmer seasons
  • For more tips visit our FAQ & Tips page

Buyers Guide

portable heater

Portable Heating

Warm up, stay safe, and enjoy the convenience of a portable heater. In many cases, turning down your thermostat and turning on a portable heater can save you lots of money when the main heating system isn’t doing the job.

Use & Care

  • When using gas-powered heaters, make sure the room is properly ventilated to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Operate heaters on level surfaces
  • Always make safety a top consideration when using space heaters

Buyers Guide

  • Choose models with built-in thermostats to save energy and avoid overheating the room
  • Choose models with a tip-over safety switch to prevent fires
  • For more tips visit our FAQ & Tips page
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