Home Weatherization Want to Save Energy - and Money - Year-Round? Put these weatherization tips on your to-do list: Outside air penetrating your house can zap up to 40 percent of a home's energy load. Look for gaps and seal: Fit foam or rubber weatherstripping into gaps around doors or windows. Install rubber or foam bottom seals under doors. Add a door sweeps at the bottom of doors. Change disposable furnace air filters three times a year - more often if they become dirty. Have your furnace professionally inspected once a year. Insulate pipes, walls, attic and floors. Higher R-values mean greater insulating power. Set your water heater to 120 degrees. Switch to "vacation" when you're away. Wash clothes with warm or cold water. Rinse with cold water. Install a low-flow showerhead. Take showers vs. baths. Install a programmable thermostat. Programming winter temperature at 65 degrees at night, then back to 72 degrees during the day, can save up to 15 percent on heating bills. Should you close vents in unused rooms? Check with your HVAC technician first to make sure this is recommended. Use sunlight to warm rooms. Close drapes and blinds at night to retain heat. Wear layers and warmer, insulated clothing while indoors. Run dishwashers, washers and dryers only when fully loaded. Replacing appliances? Choose those with high-energy efficiency ratings. Install storm or thermal windows and doors. Other Industry Sites American Gas Association: www.aga.org National Association of Home Builders: www.nahb.org U.S. Department of Energy: www.eren.doe.gov Georgia Environmental Facility Authority: www.gefa.org Residential Energy Services Network: www.natresnet.org Copyright 2007 - Website and Hosting by DATA BOY DESIGN