Energy & Money Saving Tips
Efficiency Maine offers tips to become more energy efficient and financial incentives (such as rebates, instant discounts, and loans) that can make upgrading to a high-efficiency system more affordable.
Our Energy Efficiency Tips booklet offers a wide selection of suggestions on how to improve the energy efficiency of your home. To download a copy click here. To request a printed copy, email info@efficiencymaine.com or call 866-376-2463.
Here are some useful tips on how to save energy at home this winter.
Clean Boilers and FurnacesMake sure your boiler or furnace is cleaned and serviced annually by
qualified personnel for optimum efficiency. Cleaning makes the heating
system safer and much more efficient and makes it last longer.
qualified personnel for optimum efficiency. Cleaning makes the heating
system safer and much more efficient and makes it last longer.
Caulk and Spray FoamsSpray foam insulation and caulk are often used to fill cracks and gaps where
air could travel between outdoors and indoors. To make a room warmer in
winter and cooler in summer, try air sealing with caulk, spray foam, or both.
air could travel between outdoors and indoors. To make a room warmer in
winter and cooler in summer, try air sealing with caulk, spray foam, or both.
DoorsIf replacing your doors, apply caulking around door frames and weather
stripping around doors that do not close tightly. If replacing your sliding door, select ENERGY STAR®-certified models.
stripping around doors that do not close tightly. If replacing your sliding door, select ENERGY STAR®-certified models.
Door SweepsInstall door sweeps to keep out hot air in summer and cold drafts in
winter.
winter.
Choose Efficient Circulator PumpsIf you have a hydronic (often referred to as “forced hot water”) heating system and have to replace circulator pumps, consider Electrically Commutated
Motor (ECM) pumps, which can reduce operating cost by 85% because their
motors adjust their speed to match the load. They also tend to be more reliable than traditional circulator pumps.
Motor (ECM) pumps, which can reduce operating cost by 85% because their
motors adjust their speed to match the load. They also tend to be more reliable than traditional circulator pumps.
Use the Fireplace Damper CorrectlyProperly close the flue damper of your fireplace when not in use. This will not only prevent warm indoor air from escaping in winter but also keep in cool
air in the summer. Make sure that any fire is totally out before closing down
the damper of your fireplace and also confirm there are no glowing embers.
Doing so could help prevent your room or home from being filled with carbon
monoxide and other pollutants.
air in the summer. Make sure that any fire is totally out before closing down
the damper of your fireplace and also confirm there are no glowing embers.
Doing so could help prevent your room or home from being filled with carbon
monoxide and other pollutants.
Maximize the Effectiveness of Your Heat Pump1. Prioritize the thermostat on your heat pump so it provides as much heat
as possible before your less-efficient back-up heating system turns on.
2. If your intent is to heat adjacent spaces with your heat pump, be sure
to leave doors between the heat pump and adjacent rooms open.
3. In general, the “Auto” fan setting is the best starting option.
4. Use different “Heat” and “Cool” settings in winter and summer, respectively, rather than “Auto Temperature” mode.
5. For maximum efficiency, vacuum or rinse indoor unit filters regularly to
make sure that air flows freely.
as possible before your less-efficient back-up heating system turns on.
2. If your intent is to heat adjacent spaces with your heat pump, be sure
to leave doors between the heat pump and adjacent rooms open.
3. In general, the “Auto” fan setting is the best starting option.
4. Use different “Heat” and “Cool” settings in winter and summer, respectively, rather than “Auto Temperature” mode.
5. For maximum efficiency, vacuum or rinse indoor unit filters regularly to
make sure that air flows freely.
Turn Down Manual ThermostatsIf you do not have a heat pump, consider turning down your furnace or boiler
thermostat to 55 degrees when your home is unoccupied. For sleeping, consider
setting your thermostat to 60 degrees.
thermostat to 55 degrees when your home is unoccupied. For sleeping, consider
setting your thermostat to 60 degrees.
Set Your Programmable ThermostatProgrammable thermostats run automatically and can adjust the temperature on their own based on the time of day or day of the week. This can help your home use less energy when it is unoccupied or at night while you sleep.
Reflect Heat from RadiatorsIf your home has radiators, place heat-resistant reflectors between radiators
and walls to heat the room instead of the wall.
and walls to heat the room instead of the wall.
Receptacles and Switch BoxesSeal outlets and switch boxes with foam gaskets to reduce drafts and create a barrier between warmer and cooler air.
Floor Vents/RegistersYou can improve your home’s energy efficiency by making sure that vents and
floor registers are well sealed where they meet with the wall or floor. Make sure all ducts are connected and all vents and floor registers are clear of furniture or rugs that could impede airflow.
floor registers are well sealed where they meet with the wall or floor. Make sure all ducts are connected and all vents and floor registers are clear of furniture or rugs that could impede airflow.
Rope CaulkConsider installing a temporary seal around rarely used windows and doors,
such as a basement door that is unused in the winter. Many types of rope caulk can be easily removed in the spring, stored in a plastic bag, and reused.
such as a basement door that is unused in the winter. Many types of rope caulk can be easily removed in the spring, stored in a plastic bag, and reused.
Switch to a Smart ThermostatCompared to conventional thermostats, smart thermostats are more accessible
and more convenient. Some smart thermostats can detect your presence in
a room and can adjust the temperature accordingly. They can be controlled via
any smartphone, so you can turn the temperature up or down as you return home.
and more convenient. Some smart thermostats can detect your presence in
a room and can adjust the temperature accordingly. They can be controlled via
any smartphone, so you can turn the temperature up or down as you return home.
Weather StrippingUse weather stripping for doors and windows to keep out hot air in summer and cold drafts in winter.
WindowsInsulating windows around their edges makes your home even more energy
efficient. To reduce heat loss in winter, install storm windows, transparent
plastic window film, or indoor window inserts. When purchasing windows, look for ENERGY STAR®-certified models designed for Maine’s climate.
efficient. To reduce heat loss in winter, install storm windows, transparent
plastic window film, or indoor window inserts. When purchasing windows, look for ENERGY STAR®-certified models designed for Maine’s climate.
Window TreatmentsDuring winter days, let sunlight in by opening curtains, blinds, and shades
on windows facing the sun to reduce heating demand. At night, keep drapes and curtains closed to reduce heat loss.
on windows facing the sun to reduce heating demand. At night, keep drapes and curtains closed to reduce heat loss.
Take Advantage of Zone HeatingUse only the heat needed — if your home has zone heating, be sure to heat only
the smallest zone possible. If you are using one zone, consider turning down
thermostats and closing registers in vacant zones, taking precautions to avoid frozen pipes.
the smallest zone possible. If you are using one zone, consider turning down
thermostats and closing registers in vacant zones, taking precautions to avoid frozen pipes.