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Make Your Home a Cool Home

Jan 11, 2007

You can take control of global warming with your own actions right at home. Use the checklist for good ideas to cool down your home.

Cool Home Checklist

Every home in America can be a Cool Home. Just follow the checklist below to get started! For more information about making your home an energy-efficient Cool Home, visit the Cool Homes website.

Whole House/Utility Room

• Install a programmable thermostat. Winter temps should be 68 degrees F, and 60 F or less while you sleep.
• In the summer, set the air conditioner at no cooler than 78 degrees F. Feeling warm? Wear shorts and take off your hat in the house.
• Adjust hydrostat on water heater to 120 degrees F.
• For old water heaters, install insulating blanket on tank and insulate pipes.
• Consider upgrading to an Energy Star water heater. For ultimate efficiency, buy a “flash” (also called “on-demand” or “tankless”) water heater or a solar water heating unit.
• Check home insulation in attic, basement and walls. Is it adequate?
• Seal any gaps in walls. Pay special attention to plumbing outlets, vents, and recessed light fixtures. To find gaps, put a candle in front of areas where there might be an issue. If the candle flickers, you know you have a crack that needs sealing.
• Seal ducts to maximize efficiency.
• Keep AC and furnace filters clean.
• Install weatherstripping and caulking on drafty doors and windows.
• Replace single-paned windows with double-paned windows designed for your climate.

Living Room/Bedrooms/Family Room

• Consider installing ceiling fans.
• Use curtains, shades, and shutters for insulation and shade.
• Use task lighting rather then ambient lighting when possible.
• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs, especially in the most-used light fixtures.
• Turn off lights when not in use, and consider installing motion and occupancy sensors where appropriate.

Bathrooms

• Install aerating shower heads and faucets to reduce hot-water consumption.
• Take showers instead of baths.
• Do not run vent fan more than necessary.

Kitchen

• Always buy Energy Star appliances.
• Use water- and energy-saving features on dishwasher. Do not use dishwasher to dry dishes.
• Only run full loads.

Home Office

• Consider using a laptop instead of a desktop PC.
• Do not buy a bigger monitor than you need.
• Set computer to go into sleep mode when not in use.
• Turn off computer and peripherals at power strip so that transformers do not continue drawing power even when “off.”
• Turn off printers and copiers when not in use. They consume considerable energy even in standby.

Outdoors

• Install compact fluorescents rated for outdoor use.
• Install motion detectors on security lights.

Laundry Room

• Buy Energy Star appliances. As a rule, front-loading washing machines are more efficient than top-loading machines.
• Wash and rinse clothes in cold or, if you must, warm water.
• Only run full loads; if you must run smaller loads, adjust water level if possible.
• Install and use a clothesline.