Online Home Energy Guide Booklet

FOCUS ON ENERGY® HOME MAINTENANCE AND ENERGY GUIDE

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Home Maintenance and Energy Guide

FOCUS ON YOUR HOME Make your home even better. To help you enjoy it to the fullest, Focus on Energy is always here with rebates and resources when you need them. Focus on Energy partners with utilities across Wisconsin to reduce energy waste. Every step you take to save energy makes a difference for your home and your home state by supporting Wisconsin’s energy independence. We encourage you to use this guide as a helpful resource for improving the comfort, health, and energy efficiency of your home.

HOME MAINTENANCE

Home Maintenance . .......................... 3 Seasonal Checklists ........................... 12 Home Improvement Rebates .......... 14

All facts and statistics used in this guide are from resources provided by ENERGY STAR® and the Department of Energy. Learn more at energystar.gov and energy.gov .

Help for Home Improvements Find rebates and helpful resources at focusonenergy.com/myhome or call 800.762.7077 .

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Home Maintenance and Energy Guide

HEATING AND COOLING TIPS Heating and cooling uses more energy than any other system in your home and makes up more than 50% of the average home’s energy bill. Here are some ways to stay comfortable while lowering those costs. Be Smart With Your Thermostat Adjust the temperature to save energy when you are away. A smart thermostat does this automatically and even lets you control settings remotely. You can find out how to get a smart thermostat at focusonenergy.com/residential/smart-thermostats . Stay Cool With Fans Ceiling fans can make your home feel about four degrees cooler than the actual temperature. To save energy, remember to turn them off when you leave the room. Use Window Shades Wisely Keep blinds, shades, and curtains closed on hot sunny days and open in bright colder weather. In winter, you can also use your shades and curtains to keep the heat in by closing them when the sun sets. Clean Vents and Keep Registers Clear This will keep the air flowing as efficiently as possible. Always position furniture so the registers can circulate air in the room. Avoid Using Space Heaters It is much more cost-effective to solve the root of the problem, such as cold air leaking into your home or furnace issues.

FURNACE MAINTENANCE Schedule an Annual Tune-Up You will keep your equipment running efficiently, save on energy bills, prevent costly breakdowns, and enjoy cleaner, healthier indoor air. Replace Filters Regularly Set a reminder to check your furnace and air conditioner filters once a month. Most filters should be replaced every one to three months, following manufacturer instructions. Get More From Your Air Conditioner Your furnace and air conditioner work together. Get better air conditioner performance by keeping the outdoor condensing unit free of shrubbery, leaves, lawn clippings, trees, branches, and vines.

Furnace Install Date:

Make:

Model #:

Efficiency Ratings

SEER:

AFUE:

(A furnace tune-up is recommended annually.)

Last Tune-Up

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Home Maintenance and Energy Guide

WATER HEATING TIPS Water heating is your second largest energy use. It typically accounts for about 20% of the energy bill, but there are some simple steps you can take to start saving. Turn Down the Temperature Set the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F–130°F to save energy and money, and save even more by turning it all the way down when you are on vacation. You can order a free pack of energy-saving products from Focus on Energy that includes a water temperature card to monitor your water heater. Visit focusonenergy.com/residential/energy-saving-packs to order a free energy-saving pack. Insulate Exposed Water Pipes Insulating hot water pipes saves energy and water because the water arrives warmer and heats up faster. Fix Leaks Repair leaks in faucets, showerheads, and pipes. A leak of one drip per second wastes an incredible 1,661 gallons of water per year. Save Water For maximum efficiency, install showerheads with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gallons per minute and faucet aerators with a flow rate of no more than 1 gallon per minute. Learn more at epa.gov/watersense and find products at focusonenergymarketplace.com .

LAUNDRY SAVINGS How to save energy, water, and money with every load. Wash in Cold Water About 90% of the energy used by washing machines is for hot water. Wash on cold for maximum energy savings. Run Full Loads Only Many machines use the same amount of energy and water regardless of load size, so always try to wash and dry full loads. Check Your Exhaust Vent Clean your outdoor dryer exhaust vent annually so it opens and closes freely. If it does not close tightly, replace the vent so outside air does not get into your home. Clean the Lint Filter After Each Load Keeping your dryer’s lint screen clean improves air circulation and drying times. It is also more efficient and can prevent fire hazards.

For more energy-saving tips from ENERGY STAR, check out energystar.gov .

Water Heater/Boiler Install Date:

Make:

Model #:

Efficiency Ratings

EF/UEF:

BTU:

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Home Maintenance and Energy Guide

PROPER VENTILATION Home ventilation is extremely important for managing indoor air quality and moisture. Follow these pointers for proper ventilation. Control Moisture Properly controlling moisture is essential. In the winter, use a moisture meter to track your levels and lower the setting on your humidifier(s) if it is too high. The suggested interior moisture level during Wisconsin winters is 30%–40%. Use Spot Ventilation To prevent potential mold, run the ventilation fan in the bathroom while showering or bathing, and let it run for another 20 minutes afterward. Use Your Range Hood While Cooking This will remove moisture-laden air and odors from your home right at their source. If your kitchen does not have a ventilation fan, open a window slightly to help ventilate.

BE WINDOW WISE Interior window condensation is caused by moisture in the house, and it often occurs in the winter when warm indoor air condenses on cold windows. Here are some ways to control it. Run Ventilation Fans More Frequently Reduce moisture inside the home by running ventilation fans in bathrooms. Also, remember to turn on your range hood while cooking. Open the Drapes Closing drapes and blinds lowers the temperature of the glass and will increase condensation. Open window coverings during the day to allow the warm air in the room to warm window surfaces. Turn on the Ceiling Fan If there is a ceiling fan in the room, turn it on. Become familiar with the winter and summer settings on your ceiling fan—it should run counterclockwise in warmer months and clockwise in colder months. Running the fan will force warm air in the room to warm window surfaces. Securely Latch Windows Locking the windows ensures a tight seal, preventing air leakage. Install and Use Storm Windows If you have older windows in your home, using storm windows during the winter months can help reduce condensation on interior panes.

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Home Maintenance and Energy Guide

APPLIANCE SHOPPING If you are buying new appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR label to find the most energy-efficient, high-quality models on the market. ENERGY STAR Savings vs. Standard Models • Refrigerators: are 20% more efficient. • Freezers: have 10%+ higher efficiency. • Dishwashers: save nearly 4,000 gallons of water over the lifetime of the product. • Humidifiers: use nearly 30% less energy to remove the same amount of moisture. Visit the product finder at energystar.gov for information on features, benefits, and cost savings. PAY LESS TO POWER YOUR ELECTRONICS Computers, televisions, and other electronics account for nearly 10% of home energy use. These easy tips can help you save. Purchase ENERGY STAR Models ENERGY STAR electronics are widely available and can provide significant energy savings—as much as 75% savings for certain products. Use Advanced Power Strips Many electronics continue to draw a small amount of power even when they are turned off—this is called phantom energy. Use advanced power strips to avoid paying for power you are not using. You can purchase advanced power strips through Focus on Energy’s Online Marketplace at focusonenergymarketplace.com .

Unplug It As a general rule, unplug electronics as much as possible when not in use. Be Smart With Computers Use the sleep mode or power management settings on your computers and monitors to save energy, keep the equipment running cooler, and help them last longer. COMBUSTION EQUIPMENT AND CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY Combustion appliances produce exhaust gases that should be vented to the outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, moisture, and other byproducts from building up in your home. Follow these steps to maintain your combustion equipment and a healthy home. • Schedule annual tune-ups for your space heating and water heating equipment. • Change your furnace and ventilation equipment filters regularly. • Clean and service your oven per manufacturer instructions. • Keep air intake and exhaust ports on the outside of your home free of obstructions. • Check and clean chimneys. • Keep a carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home and test batteries regularly. • Avoid idling a vehicle in an attached garage. • Clean the area around and under your water heater.

Home Maintenance and Energy Guide

SEASONAL CHECKLISTS

Spring and Summer To-Dos

Fall and Winter To-Dos

Service your air conditioner.

Service your furnace.

Replace damaged window and door screens. Clean window wells and check drainage. Clean and secure gutters and downspouts. Check, clean, and replace air filters. Check dryer vent pipe for lint buildup.

Check, clean, and replace air filters. Seal gaps around doors and windows.

Vacuum air registers and vents.

Clean your gutters and downspouts.

Drain and store hoses, and turn off outdoor water valves.

Direct drainage away from your house.

Clean refrigerator coils.

Switch ceiling fans to counterclockwise.

Inspect your roof and attic.

Switch ceiling fans to clockwise.

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Check and inspect the condensate drain in your central air conditioner, furnace, and/or heat pump (when in cooling mode).

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Clean chimney—close dampers when not in use.

Close storm windows.

Consider a Home Energy Assessment Get expert advice on how to improve your home for year-round comfort and savings. To find an energy assessor near you, visit focusonenergy.com/findatradeally .

Home Maintenance and Energy Guide

HOME IMPROVEMENT REBATES

BRING OUT THE BEST IN YOUR HOME WITH FOCUS ON ENERGY Focus on Energy offers rebates and support to help you enjoy a healthier, more comfortable, and energy-efficient home. Learn more about what Focus on Energy offers on the next page. For more information on residential rebates, visit us online at focusonenergy.com/residential or call us at 800.762.7077 .

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Home Maintenance and Energy Guide

Simple First Steps

Rebates for Home Improvements

Free Product Packs Receive products that save energy and water, shipped straight to your door for free. To order your pack, visit focusonenergymarketplace.com/free . Online Marketplace Shop from the comfort of your home and pay less for smart thermostats and more. Visit focusonenergymarketplace.com to explore discounts on household products. Smart Thermostats Save energy and control your home’s temperature from anywhere. Find current rebate information at focusonenergy.com/thermostat .

Instant Discounts for Heating and Cooling

Ask your local HVAC Trade Ally/Contractor about Focus on Energy instant discounts on heating and cooling equipment.

DIY Attic Insulation and Air Sealing If you prefer a hands-on approach to home improvement, explore DIY rebates at focusonenergy.com/diy . Insulation and Air Sealing To improve home comfort and health, and lower your monthly bills, assess the insulation and air sealing of your home. Rebates available at focusonenergy.com/residential/insulation-and -air-sealing . Solar Make an even bigger difference for your home and Wisconsin with clean energy solutions. Rebates available at focusonenergy.com/residential/solar- for-homes .

For more info, visit focusonenergy.com/residential .

REDUCING ENERGY WASTE ACROSS WISCONSIN Rebates are subject to change and cannot exceed project costs. Focus on Energy, Wisconsin utilities’ statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, helps eligible residents and businesses save energy and money while protecting the environment. Focus on Energy information, resources, and financial rebates help to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that

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