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Conserving Home Heating and Hot Water

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When it comes to our living spaces we frequently over heat (and over cool), and all too often our homes lack the efficiency to retain this heating or cooling. We aren't aware of energy leaks like we would be a leaking faucet or water pipe. The reality is this: Even if your home has perfectly sealed single-pane windows, you are typically losing almost 30 percent of your seasonal heating and cooling by direct conduction through the glass.

K EY STATISTIC

"For the U.S. alone, the heating and cooling energy lost through gaps and poorly sealed doors and windows equals the total energy obtained from the Alaska Oil Pipeline every year."

The most critical actions for conserving heating energy

Like the light switch whose judicious use can save loads of electricity, smart use of our home thermostats can significantly cut back on heat energy waste. Below are the most critical actions you can take to reduce this energy and financial loss.

1… When at home set your thermostat between 68-72°F /20-22ºC or lower.

When you're home. In winter when at home set your thermostat between 68-72°F /20-22ºC or lower. Before going to bed turn down your thermostat to 65°F/18ºC or below (but stay within the 55-65°F/13-18ºC range). For each degree you can lower your thermostat you save 3% per day on your fuel bill and, proportionately, the amount of greenhouse gases your heating system produces.

2… When you go out set your thermostat between 55-60°F /13-15ºC.

When you're out. When out of the house for more than an hour, turn down your thermostat in freezing weather to between 55-60°F/13-15ºC; if it is well above freezing outside, turn off the heating entirely.

3… Seal windows and doors.

Seal the gaps! Caulk and seal window frames and outside doors to prevent heat loss in winter and cooling in summer. Up to 60 percent of your home or apartment's heating in winter and cooling in the summer is lost through gaps in the windows and doors.

The most critical actions for conserving hot water energy

1… Install low-flow showerheads and faucets.

Low flow, the way to go! Install low-flow showerheads and faucets. Also, shorten your shower time; showers represent about 65 percent of your home's total hot water consumption.

2… Set your hot water temperature to 120º F /49º C.

Lower that dial. Set the water temperature on your water heater to 120º F/49º C.

3… Repair all leaks.

Fix the drips. Fix your dripping hot water taps or showerheads. A single leak can drain away 48 gallons/190 liters of hot water a week. That's energy and money down the drain!

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