My Homes Rates (check foot size) in these major componants                                                             My Carbon Footprint

HIGH

HEATING

COOLING

DUCTWORK & AIRFLOW

INSULATION & ATTIC VENTILATION

WATER HEATER

AIR INFILTRATION & LOSS

WINDOWS  & DOORS

LIGHTING

APPLIANCES

LANDSCAPING

WATER USE

GREEN (SUSTAINABLE)  MATERIAL USE

RENEWABLE ENERGY USE

POTENTIAL CARBON SAVINGS

HEATING 

0  min  $  $$

Check filter monthly – replace or clean as needed

350

min

Limit temperature to 68 during the day (or as low as comfortable).

2000

0

Lower thermostat to 55F to 60F at night.

2000

0

Set thermostat at 55F when gone (may not be effective with heat pump without special thermostat).

2000

0

Have system serviced for optimum performance

Open drapes when sunny, close otherwise.

Don't block vents, registers or, radiators with furniture, drapes, ect.

For fireplace add outdoor air intake with glass door to prevent cold air infiltration

Install central humidifier or use floor model. It takes more energy to heat dry air than with comfortably humid air

Have system cleaned and tuned up (burner flame should be blue not yellow or orange).

150

$

Oil motors and tighten fan belts annually – most newer motors are sealed and do not need oil.

150

min

Check thermostat location (away from drafts).

250

0

Upgrade thermostat to programmable type.

700

$

Replace gas pilot with electric starter

750

$

Install automatic vent damper on flue exhaust

200

$

 Upgrade to ground source heat pump. Geothermal

2000-4000

$$

For Hot Water systems (boiler and radiators)

Lower water temperature on boiler to 140 to 150

650

0

Put pan of water at radiator to humidify

75

0

Repair leaking heating pipes.

250

min

Insulate pipes.

150

min

Place hear reflector behind radiators such as aluminum sheet.

300

miin

Add zone valves or radiator thermostats.

250

$

Clean radiators and baseboard heaters and don’t block with drapes, furniture ect.

0

Install outdoor reset for boiler, this adjusts  water temperature for greater efficiency.

$

De-rate nozzle size if currently oversized, check with contractor.

$

Install flame retention head for oil burner

$

Upgrade to high efficiency boiler

1800

$$

Also see ducting, ventilation, air infiltration, windows, ventilation

COOLING

Check filter monthly – replace or clean as needed

350

min

Adjust duct dampers and registers to direct greater air flow to upper level.   Close registers in basement

0

Clean evaporator and outdoor condenser coils.

Limit thermostat setting to 78F.  Each degree up can save 3%

Turn off A/C when not home with considerable savings

Use bath and kitchen exhaust fans to remove moisture.-fan and light should  not be on same switch so cool air not vented out

Turn off gas pilots to gas fireplace and older gas fireplace with standing pilot.

Use drapes or awnings to block sun.

Open windows when outdoor temperature is less than indoor temperature, close when higher.

Minimize lighting and appliance use during the day; make sure dryer vents to the exterior.

Have system cleaned and serviced once a year.

Install attic fan with thermostat to remove excessive heat buildup.

Use window fans.

Use interior fans with A/C, improves circulation and lowers use.

Shade outdoor condenser with landscaping or awning – don’t block airflow.

Install whole house fan. Open windows and run fan to lower to outdoor temperature

$

Install exterior awnings to shade windows

$

Use landscaping and trees to shade house

$

When replacing roofing – use light colored materials.
Reflective coatings are available for most types of roofing significantly lowering surface temperatures

$

Upgrade central unit to SEER 13 or higher and properly sized.  If your current system is over or undersized it is wasting a lot of energy.

1,540

Upgrade to ground source heat pump.

$$

Also see ducting, ventilation, air infiltration, windows, ventilation

DUCTWORK & AIRFLOW

Don't block vents, registers or, radiators with furniture, drapes, ect.

0

Seal duct joints and blower unit such as around refrigerant lines with mastic or aluminum tape.

min

Add an air intake in basement if none – will help dehumidify and improve air circulation.

$

Proper location of supplies and air intakes – improve if possible and needed.
Example: No return on top floor or inadequate returns or outlets in wrong place

$

Insulate ductwork in attic, crawlspace and any unconditioned spaces.

$

Adjust duct dampers and registers to direct greater air flow to upper level.

0

Seal registers so air is not leaking into floors, walls, or above ceiling.

min

When installing new ducts use insulated or fiberglass material.

$

INSULATION & ATTIC VENTILATION

Insulate attic to R-38 or higher.  Keep insulation 3” from recessed light fixtures.

140- 2100

$

Insulate crawl space walls, seal foundation vents and vent within building envelope-check with contractor or inspector first.

$

Insulate to of sill plates – band boards (top of foundation).

$

Insulate basement walls R20+.

600

$

Insulate walls separating garage

$