When your home -- or the cost of heating it -- gets uncomfortable, there is a lot you can do to control how much energy you need to use to stay warm. In general, the best winter-time energy-saving investments for affordable comfort in Louisiana are:
Stopping Air Leaks: Outlet gaskets, foam sealants, good weatherstripping, door thresholds and caulking interior gaps are good do-it-yourself opportunities to reduce cold air infiltration. Don’t forget attention to air leakage through the chimney, loose exhaust dampers, ceilings, floors and even interior walls, soffits or hidden bypasses with air leaks to the attic.
Sealing the Duct System: If your home is typical, your ductwork may be losing 30% of the heating you pay for! That’s because most ducts are very leaky sooner or later. The entire duct system should be sealed with mastic and mesh (not duct tape), tested by a trained professional with specialized equipment and insulated (if in an unconditioned attic) with R-8 or higher.
Heater Maintenance: Professional servicing and faithful filter changing will make sure your heater is operating as efficiently as it can.
Insulating Water Heater & Pipes: It’s easy and inexpensive to install foam tube pipe insulation and water heater insulation kits. Follow safety instructions carefully for gas water heaters.
Set-back Thermostats: Don’t waste your money heating an empty home! A programmable thermostat makes it more comfortable to save energy when not home and have a cozy home by the time you return.
Attic Improvements: If space permits, increase attic insulation to R-38. Be sure you don’t block the flow of air from soffit vents under the overhangs.
Buying EnergyStar: When replacing your heater, water heater, appliances or electronics, look for the EnergyStar label. That’s an easy way to identify what will really save you money on your utility bills. Also, compare EnergyGuide labels to compare the hidden costs of your new appliance (its operating cost).
Online Home Improvement Advisor: For both energy product information and energy improvement ideas tailored to your house and climate, visit the www.energystar.gov website. You can get your Home Energy Yardstick score to see if your energy use at home is above average. You can also get a list of recommended improvements and estimated savings from the Home Energy Advisor.