Energy Saving Tips

Reduce Your Energy Use

HAC conducts free energy assessments, a great way for residents to reduce their energy usage and lower their utility bills.
Set thermostat at 68° F/day and 55° F/night. Hot water 120° F. (Close off unused rooms)
Set A/C at 78° F during the day and keep windows closed and lower the shades to keep the heat outside in the summer. In the evening, open windows and turn on fans to cool off house.
Use LED light bulbs.
Use low-flow kitchen faucets and shower heads. Air or towel dry your dishes.
Laundry: Wash full loads. Use second spin cycle. Use warm or cold water cycles only. Dry clothes on line outside or on drying rack. Use dryer sparingly e.g. 5 min. to soften fabric.

The best time to weatherize is in early spring to the late fall. Don’t wait for the winter season to come around!
Caulk and seal windows, doors and attic hatch. At sundown, cover windows with blankets or thick drapes.
Place old blanket or draft stopper at bottom of any outside door.
During the day, let sun rays warm up your rooms.
Remove A/C units from windows or cover the unit on outside with a thermal blanket.
Fireplace: if no fire burns, close the damper and consider using a Chimney Balloon. If you never use the fireplace, seal the chimney flue by covering up the opening with tempered glass or board. Use weather stripping or tape to close up any additional area where warm air might leak out.
Bulkhead doors in basement: Install weather stripped doors / insulation fiber board at bottom of stairs or cover up with heavy drape or blanket.

Prepare for the upcoming winter during summer months!
Clean and service oil fired heating systems annually.
Seal and insulate warm air ducts (in cold basements). Insulate hot water pipes.
If you have an old and inefficient heating, system consider replacing it. Call Jo at: 508-771-5400, ext. 106.
Install carbon monoxide detectors and make sure batteries are fresh or have a hard wired one installed.
Have your chimney sweep inspect your chimney annually for cracks and blockages.
Keep your smoke detectors operational by replacing the batteries regularly.
If you have to purchase a space heater, choose models that have heating element guards as well as safety switches that turn off if unit should tip over. Select a unit that has been UL safety tested. NEVER LEAVE UNATTENDED. Never use an extension cord!
Make sure the electrical wiring to any heating device is not frayed and keep safety zone around any elements that emits heat.
Don’t heat your home with your stove or any hazardous gases.
If you feel dizzy, call 911!