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Cool Home Checklist

Your home can be a Cool Home by following these simple steps.

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.