FAQs

What uses the most energy in my home?

Heating and cooling systems typically consume the most energy in your home, followed closely by refrigerators and clothes dryers. But don't underestimate the power of the small electronics in your home. Televisions, computers, cordless phones and answering machines will still draw electricity even if they are turned off or on standby mode. According to Energy Star, every year idle electronics consume the same amount of energy as the output of 17 power plants in the United States.

If I turn my heat down during the day when I'm not home, won't I use more energy heating the house back up when I come back?

Turning your heat down a few degrees during the day will cut down the number of heating cycles your system runs while you are at work. The money and energy you will save during those eight hours will be more than you will use when you turn the thermostat back up.

How do I know if I need to add more insulation to my home?

If you live in a relatively new home, chances are you have adequate insulation. If your home is older, adding more insulation will help you reduce your heating and cooling cost. A certified energy auditor can help you determine if you need more insulation or you can inspect your home yourself.

• First look at exposed areas adjacent to unheated spaces like in the attic, garage or basement. This is a good place to easily see how much and how thick your insulation is in your home.
• You can also inspect insulation by removing the electrical outlet cover (make sure you turn off the electricity first!) and shinning a flashlight behind the wall. Pull out a small amount of insulation to inspect its thickness. Make sure you check in other floors/walls as well, you may have good insulation in some places and inadequate amounts in other places.

Once you have inspected your insulation, utilize the Department of Energy's website to determine the R-Value and how much you should add.

Do I need to add insulation to basements and crawl spaces?

Most people don't think to insulate crawl spaces and unfinished basements because they are unoccupied. But according to the Department of Energy an uninsulated foundation can result in significant heat loss.

Can landscaping my yard improve my energy efficiency?

Believe it or not a well landscaped yard not only adds to the curb appeal of your home but to its overall efficiency. Trees can help shade your home from the hot sun and cut down on cooling costs; shrubs can act as windbreaks helping you reduce your heating costs during the winter months.

When should I replace my hot water heater?

Most hot water heaters are built to last 10-15 years. It's a good idea to start shopping if your water heater is over 7 years old. Waiting until your current water heater fails will force you to make a quick decision and you may not end up purchasing a water heater that best fits your needs.

What is an electric heat pump and how can it save me money?

A heat pump is a system that handles both the cooling and heating of your home by using refrigeration equipment to bring warm air into the home in the winter and cool air in the summer. Though a heat pump may initially cost more than a typical furnace, the heat pump will not only heat your house, but cool it as well. It's during the heating season that the greatest savings can occur. A heat pump can provide nearly two times more heat than energy used.