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Notes on Operating Costs

  1. Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. Unconditioned air, humidity, noise and dust belong outside.
  2. Fireplaces provide a nice setting and pleasant atmosphere, however, fireplaces require a great deal of air for combustion and create a strong updraft through the chimney. Be sure the fireplace damper is shut when the fire is completely extinguished, and the fireplace is not in use.
  3. Kitchen, bath and utility exhaust fans are a necessity, however, keep in mind that they also remove conditioned air from the house. Their use should be kept at a minimum in order to reduce heating/cooling costs.
  4. Keep in mind that washers, dryers, ovens and other home appliances can add heat and humidity to your home. For example. You might consider washing and drying clothes in the morning or evening in the cooling months to avoid adding heat to your home air during peak cooling hours. Venting your clothes dryer to the outside will help keep from adding heat and humidity to the inside air.
  5. Your thermostat is a precision instrument, designed to automatically control your heating and cooling system. For best results select a comfortable setting and do not change the thermostat except when absolutely necessary.

Home envelope considerations

  1. Speak with a roofer to add soffet venting and ridge vents
  2. Apply a radiant barrier to the roof deck
  3. Insulate and weather-strip the attic access
  4. Make sure that all exterior doors and windows are properly sealed and weather-stripped
  5. Examine ventilation hood and fireplaces siding or weep holes.
  6. Speak with an insulation company about adding recommended amount of attic insulation
  7. Add tinting to windows
  8. Make sure your house is not having moisture seeping up through the soil under the slab or up through the crawl space of a pier and beam home.
  9. Check canned lighting for leaks

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