Delaware Avenue Community Association

Winter Energy Saving Tips

Nov 12, 2005

Energy prices are expected to rise dramatically this year -- especially home heating (e.g. natural gas, heating oil). Here are a few winter energy saving tips:

o Use a programmable thermostat to lower temperatures at night and whenever the
house is not occupied
- reducing temperature 10-15% for 8 hours can reduce total consumption ~10% -- roughly 1% savings for every degree lower
- do not set the temperature below 55 F -- to prevent freezing pipes

o Clean or replace furnace filters every month or as needed During the day, open south-facing window drapes/shades to let sunshine
in -- then, close at night.

o Have the heating system inspected tuned

oSeal air leaks
- ductwork leaks with metal duct tape
- window/door leaks with caulk/weatherstripping

o Turn down your water heater temperature to 120 degrees -- take showers instead of baths, and add an insulation blanket to your water heater.

o Replace frequently used incandescent light bulbs (top 4) with compact fluorescents

Listed below are a few helpful links:

Energy Savers (U.S. Dept. Of Energy)
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/

Energy Audit Tool (U.S. Dept Of Energy)
http://hes.lbl.gov/

Alliance To Save Energy Winter Tips
http://www.ase.org/content/article/detail/924

Delmarva Power Energy Tips
http://www.delmarva.com/dp/your_home/energy_tips/index.cfm