Energy Saving Tips for your Connecticut Home

The home improvement staff at J.C. Tonnotti Window Company are Energy Efficient Experts. They sell ENERGY STAR products and provide services to create energy efficient homes whether they are new homes or beautiful drafty old New England homes.

Energy Efficient Connecticut Homes - New home construction and older home can become more "green" or energy efficient by taking measures to create a consistent indoor temperature.

Energy Star - is a program of recognizing products and services that can improve the energy flow in your home. Look for the Energy Star logo on new appliances, replacement doors & replacement windows.

Winterize Your Connecticut Home - To save on heating bills J.C. Tonnotti recommends that you inspect & evaluate your house to find drafts and make upgrades to your home to improve a consistent temperature.

• The first thing to do is look at your windows and doors. Replacement window with ENERGY STAR ratings can dramatically reduce drafts by windows and provide an upgrade to the value of your home with energy efficient windows as well as beautiful, easy to clean windows.
  

• Replacing your front door, storm door and back doors with ENERGY STAR approved doors - is another way to reduce drafts and improve the appearance of your home and therefore the value of your home.
  

Summerize Your Connecticut Home - To save on soaring summer electrical bills when air conditioners J.C. Tonnotti recommends that you inspect & evaluate your house to find drafts and make upgrades to your home to improve a consistent temperature.

Seven Steps to Creating a Green Home

Minimizing energy use, using energy efficient appliances, using products made from manufacturing companies with sustainability initiatives is a start.

1. Upgrade mechanical systems - new furnaces, boilers, air conditioners, windows, ductwork can provide immediate benefits. Solutions such as solar power can provide huge savings.

2. Dry basements & crawlspaces - can extend living and storage space. Seal leaks to reduce high humidity levels that can grow mold and moisture.

3. Air Seal the Roof -  reduce drafts with insulation. The insulation helps cool as house in the summer as well.

4. Replace the windows & doors - old windows and doors leak air and water into the house causing drafts and humidity issues. Properly installed Energy Star windows  and doors will reduce the amount of heating and cooling needs because of the reduction in waste.

5. Insulate the walls - obvious but often overlooked in older homes. Insulation will dramatically reduce energy needs.

6. Change your habits -

• light conservation - shut lights off. don't turn lights on when you can open blinds and curtains, buy compact flurescent bulbs

• heat & air flow conservation - open window curtains during the day to let natural sun light in, close window covers at night. Keep heat and air settings low and consistent. Adjust your clothing to keep warm or cool.

7. Add renewable - energy source - Once you have reduced your energy consumption, consider producting your own energy sysmtes such as solar, hydro, or even wind power.

General Energy Saving Tips

• Appliances - Consider replacing your appliances, as needed, with ENERGY STAR rated appliances to save more.
  • Home Appliances with ENERGY STAR ratings include; air conditioners, fans, ceiling fans, ventilation fans, boilers, furnaces, dehumidifiers, programmable thermostats, dish washers, refrigerators, washers, dryers and more.
  • Home Electronic equipment with ENERGY STAR ratings include; battery charging systems, cordless phones, tv, dvd, home audio systems.
  • Lighting - light bulbs & lighting fixtures.
    

• Bathroom Exhaust Fans - When using the exhaust fan in your bathroom - only run it for about 20 minutes. If left unattended a bathroom exhaust fan can remove a houseful of warm or cool air in just 1 hour!

• Blinds, Drapes, Curtains & the Sun - One of the most environmentally friendly ways to save energy & money on your home is to "Let The Sun Shine In" - The sun will warm your house during the day. Open blinds, curtains and drapes in the morning to let the sun in. At dusk, night close the drapes to help keep warm air in.

• Furnace - Keep the furnace and vents in good clean running condition. Check the manufacturer's instructions near and schedule annual maintenance. Older furnaces should be replaced with new energy efficient furnaces.
  

• Insulation - Check the insulation in the attic. R-19 is recommended to keep the house at comfortable temperatures.

• Replace Drafty Windows & Doors - Replace old, drafty windows and doors with new ENERGY STAR rated products. This upgrade will potentially save hundreds of dollars on your annual heating and cooling bills. Call J.C. Tonnotti Window Company for more information about energy-efficient windows and doors.

• Seal Plugs - Seal off electric receptacles and switch boxes with foam gaskets or fiberglass insulation.

• Thermostat - Consider lowering your thermostat by 4 to 5 degrees at night when you are sleeping or away for the day. Replacing your old thermostat with an ENERGY STAR rated thermostat can dramatically lower your energy consumption.

• Weather Stripping - Check the weather-stripping around your house. This helps to provide a barrier to drafts and cold/hot air loss. Check windows, doors, garage door and access ways to the attic.

For more energy-saving tips, browse the ENERGY STAR program. Or Contact us, J.C. Tonnotti Company is your Energy Efficient Experts in Connecticut.