The Solution
The two main ways to combat HVAC-related energy waste are: 1) Check your house for window, door, and attic leaks to make sure you aren't losing the air you paid to heat or cool. An inexpensive way to check for leaks is to put a candle in front of a window to see if it flickers.
If you find a leak there are several ways to fix it:
- The cheapest and easiest way to patch leaky windows is to apply shrink-wrap film. Tape the shrink-wrap to the inside window frame, securing it with a hair dryer to eliminate wrinkles. Make sure you only apply shrink-wrap indoors; the material will not last in outdoor conditions.
- There is also a heavier plastic option that is either tacked or stapled to the window exteriors.
- To seal leaky doors and windows, use open-cell foam for narrow gaps, and self-stick tapes and nail-on strips for wider openings. Self-stick tapes are made of rubber, foam, or vinyl, backed with an adhesive that is covered with a peel-off backing.
- For outdoor applications use waterproof, weather resistant closed-cell foam. The foam is inexpensive, but requires frequent replacement of 1-2 times per year, weather dependant.
- All of these products are available at most hardware stores. In San Francisco try Center Hardware and Cole Hardware.
2) Make sure your heating and/or cooling system runs as efficiently as possible. Other tips: - Make sure that your programmable thermostat is set to 68° or less during the daytime, and 55° at night. These temperature settings could reduce your heating costs by up to 20%. During the summer set your thermostats to 78° during the day.
- Keep skylights clean in winter to allow sunlight to come in.
- Put timers on hot water heaters, so they automatically turn off at night.
- Plant trees and shrubs near your house to create shading during the summer months.
Weatherization Assistance Program The Weatherization Assistance Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program provides free services to help reduce heating and cooling costs for eligible low-income families by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. Energy saving services include measures such as attic insulation, caulking, water heater blanket, heating/cooling system repair, and other conservation measures.
Pacific Energy Center (PEC)
PEC HVAC programs provide information, design tools, advice, and support to assist in creating resource-efficient comfortable homes. PEC mostly focuses on commercial buildings; however, they also offer advice and information for residential buildings. |
