Your Personal Residence Tips

As winter approaches, take some time to make sure your heating is truly energy efficient. Here are some helpful hints:

• During the heating season, set your thermostat when you are at home between 65° and 68° Fahrenheit (F). Before you go to bed, set it back/down around 60°F. Note that people over 65, infants, and people with certain illnesses risk hypothermia at temperatures under 65° F. If you think you or someone else is at risk, consult your doctor before turning down your thermostat. 
• Consider purchasing a programmable thermostat to make temperature adjustments automatic. 
• If you have a window-unit air conditioner, winterize it!  It can let in drafts if left in place or uncovered during the winter. You should use an inside cover in addition to (or, if you cannot safely reach the outside of your unit, in place of) an outdoor cover.

For more winter savings tips, visit http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/fall-and-winter-energy-saving-tips. 

The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 (or about 12–15 inches, depending on the insulation type). In Northern climates, as much as R-49 is recommended. R-Value is a measure of the insulation’s ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance. Visit ENERGY STAR Home Sealing for more information, including recommendations for how much insulation you should have.

 

For more comprehensive information, check the Department of Energy’s online Insulation Guide.