Outside Your Home

Check the outside of all your windows and doors for leaks. Weatherstrip and caulk where necessary. Here are some more tips...

• Add storm windows and doors -- home improvements that will pay for themselves in lower heating and cooling bills. For a temporary alternative, seal windows and little-used doors with inexpensive plastic sheeting.
• Replace all broken or cracked window panes.
• Water your lawn during the coolest part of the day, in the early morning or late evening.
• Plant trees and large bushes on the west and south side of your home to help block out the hot sun. When planting near your house, make sure bushes and shrubs do not obstruct access to your meters. Plant tall trees at least 25 feet from power lines. Dogwood, Bradford pear and Japanese maple trees are examples of trees that don't grow too tall and are safe for planting near power lines.
• If you have an outdoor pool...Consider a pool cover to reduce the amount of water evaporating by 90 percent. An average-sized pool can lose about 1,000 gallons of water a month.
• Install an emergency pump shut-off near the pool.

An energy survey:

• Heating & Air Conditioning
• Water Heaters
• Living Area
• Kitchen & Bath
• Utility Room & Basement
• Outside Your Home
• Attic