Thinking globally, acting locally

energy smart coservation

Visit this link for a detailed guide on Air-tightening your home:

http://www.energystar.gov/ia/home_improvement/home_sealing/DIY_COLO...

As we approach the winter heating season (oh, not again...)I would like to point a few energy conservation ideas I learned during an energysmart audit I did for my house.

1.Compact florecent lamps (now available in dimmable version) are amazing at saving energy while delivering soft white light.

2.Even in a well-constructed house with storm windows, the air leakage can be enormous. The main leakage in my house is through the electrical outlets and switches as well as reccessed light fixtures. The first two can be easily sealed. Still looking for cost effective method to seal the fixtures.

3.Installing insulated glass doors on your fireplace will reduce heat loss by 90 percent!

4.Opening a window in the basement can reduce humidity and eliminated the use of dehumidifier.

5.Insulating water pipes in the basement and making sure the water heater is set on 120f and has good combustion efficiency are all essential to reduce your gas usage and heat loss. All these improvements are do-it-yourself projects. I am ordering the outlet and switch sealers and cfl's online so anybody who wish to order too, let mer know. I can also assist in performing an energy audit and help in installing the energy saving parts.

May we all have a warm and not too costly (to us and the enviroment) winter.

Gil