Home Efficiency: A Springtime Checklist For You

Finding yourself with some newfound time as we work our way through Alone Together April? Why not give yourself some home projects to tackle.

Here’s a checklist to help you get a handle on what needs to be done to keep your Hudson Valley home comfortable and running efficiently in the coming weeks.

Thermostat set for savings

• If you’re using your heating system, set your thermostat at 68 degrees when people are home for the best balance of comfort and energy savings; lower the temperature when no one is home, or when people are sleeping to maximize savings. Once cooling season arrives, target a thermostat setting of 78 degrees, raising temperatures when people are home.

Proper Venting

• Close vents in unused rooms to reduce energy use
• Clear obstructions from vents to keep air moving
• Check your HVAC filter once a month, changing or cleaning it as necessary

Sealed Doors

• Keep doors closed between conditioned and unconditioned spaces; check and replace seals around interior doors to keep conditioned air from escaping
• Check door sweeps to make sure they are blocking drafts and keeping conditioned air inside your home. If you don’t have doorsweeps, consider installing them

Sealed Windows

• Check caulking on window frames to prevent conditioned air from escaping
• Clear window tracks so windows seal properly

Energy Efficient Window Treatments

• Consider using window treatments that support your HVAC system, such as insulated treatments in cooler weather and reflective treatments during the hotter months. Learn more about efficiency-enhancing window hacks here

Maintained Generator

• If you have a whole house generator, have it professionally serviced; if you can’t, at least test run it to be sure everything is in working order
• Make sure you have enough propane to last at least one week in the event of a springtime power outage (if you don’t, schedule a propane delivery)

Water Heater Efficiency

• Drain your water heater to remove accumulated sediment; check out this video to see how.
• Consider resetting the temperature of the water heater thermostat to 120 degrees (default settings are often 140 degrees) to get the best balance of comfort and energy savings; for every 10 degrees you lower the temperature, you’ll save 3-5 percent on your bill, says the DOE. Keep the temperature at 140 degrees if someone in your home suffers from immune deficiency
• Consider investing in a propane tankless water heater to cut your energy bills and save money in the long run

Maintained Heating system

• Schedule professional heating system service

Maintained Cooling system

• Clear fall and winter debris from your outdoor condenser unit
• Test run your cooling system to check for any obvious problems
• Schedule professional cooling system service, if you haven’t already since the end of last summer

Attic Insulation R-value

• Bring your installation up to recommended R-values to help stabilize temperatures year-round and reduce air leaks in your home; you can get some guidance on where and how much insulation to install here

Alarm Batteries

• Test all alarms – smoke, CO, radon detectors, etc., replacing batteries if needed

Efficiency and safety of Fireplace or Wood Stove

• Close the damper to prevent heat from entering through the chimney
• Schedule a chimney inspection to prevent hazards related to creosote buildup

Need heating or cooling system service in the Hudson Valley? We can help. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment and get your equipment back on top of its game.

Please note: At Bottini Fuel, your safety and comfort are always our priority. Please see our Covid-19 Service Update Page to learn more about how we are working to keep your family and our crews safe and your home comfort equipment working properly during this challenging time.