Air that transfers in and out of homes through cracks, crevices and holes increases energy consumption. Here are some helpful tips to avoid air infiltration:

• Seal around pipe penetrations coming through walls.
• During hot and cold weather, ensure windows are closed tightly and locked.
• Ensure weather-stripping around doors and windows is tight.
• When your fireplace is not operating, its flue should be closed tightly, with
• a sign hanging from the flue handle warning it is closed.
• Check the ceiling behind the cornice of built-in bookshelves for holes cut during construction.
• Attic accesses stairways should fit tightly into the ceiling and be carefully weather-stripped using insulated sheathing board.
• Remove the whole-house fan if not used and seal and insulate.
• Make sure your outside dryer vent door closes when the dryer is not in use.
• This requires cleaning away lint accumulation periodically.

Your water heater works with many of your home’s other systems.

• Make sure your water heater is set at the lowest point. Try setting it to 120°.
• For older washers, set the water level to the amount of clothes to be washed.
• Insulate accessible hot water lines.
• Overfilling your washer can increase your energy use.
• If your water heater is located in an unconditioned space, consider installing a thermal wrap around it. Take care to install it in accordance with the tank and wrap manufacturer instructions.

Take a look at your home’s lighting. Consider these points:

• An LED light uses 1/5th the energy of incandescent lighting and lasts up to 50 times longer. Consider replacing incandescent lighting with energy-saving LEDs. They use about one quarter of the energy, last much longer and give off less heat.
• LED lights have different colors, soft white or 3,000 K bulbs are best for indoor use.
• Turn off lights when not needed.
• Don’t leave unnecessary lighting on during the day.
• Take a look at the security lighting you use at night. Check with your Touchstone Energy cooperative to see if it can help save you money by installing a pole-mounted outdoor light.
• Smart bulbs, outlets and switches allow you to save energy by customizing a schedule that fits your family's needs.

Trim your refrigerator’s energy use.

• Make sure refrigerator and freezer seals fit tightly when doors close.
• Keep outside coils clean. Dirty coils make your refrigerator compressor work longer to remove heat.
• Setting your freezer below 0° uses extra energy.
• Setting your refrigerator below 37° uses extra energy.
• Ensure refrigerator door seals are tight and coils are clean.
• Replace seals if they no longer seal.
• Eliminate unnecessary refrigerators.

Drying clothes uses a lot of energy.

• Don’t over-dry your clothes. If 50 minutes works, don’t set to 70 minutes.
• Make sure to clean the inside lint filter before each drying cycle.
• Periodically check your flexible metal dryer vent hose to ensure it is still tightly connected and not kinked.
• Dryers with service problems should be replaced with an Energy Star® rated machine.
• Wash clothes in cold water.
• Replace old washers with an Energy Star® Rated system. They provide great savings from lower water use and fast spins that reduce the need for drying.

• If you have insulation in your attic graded at R-19 or less, consider bringing it up to R-38 in  moderate climates and
• R-49 in cold climates. In cold climates, if you have floor insulation graded at R-11 or less, consider bringing it up to R-25.
• Make sure there are no openings from the attic into the home, e.g., air ducts, openings around chimneys, open cavities into the home.

Windows leak heat. If you have single-pane windows, consider doing the following:

• Tighten and weather-strip your old windows and then add storm windows.
• Close shades and drapes during the day to help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
• In colder climates, “low-e” coatings on glass can help reduce heat loss through windows.
• In hot climates, consider adding solar screening to west-facing windows that catch a lot of heating late in the day. Solar screening is sold at many home improvement stores.
• Plants that shade the house help too.

Some of the work you will want to complete will require the services of a contractor. When selecting a contractor, keep in mind that the best price is not always the best value. Here are some questions to ask when deciding who to use:

• How long have you been in business?
• Can you provide proof that you are state-licensed and carry workers’ compensation insurance?
• Can you provide the names of neighbors who have used your services?
• Are you a member of the Better Business Bureau?