ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP: Air Sealing Saves Energy and Money

By Brett McClellan on 9/19/22 6:43 AM
Air leaks are among the greatest sources of energy loss in a home. One of the quickest money-and energy-saving tasks you can do is caulk, seal, and weatherstrip all seams, cracks, and openings to the outside.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP: Reduce Hot Water Use for Energy Savings

By Brett McClellan on 7/29/22 10:47 AM
Water heating is the second-largest energy expense in your home after heating and cooling. Read the tips below to conserve hot water and reduce your energy bills.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP: What is a Water Heater's Energy Factor?

By Brett McClellan on 6/15/22 7:09 AM
The energy factor indicates a water heater's overall energy efficiency based on the amount of hot water produced per unit of fuel consumed over a typical day. This includes the following:
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP: Air Sealing Your Home

By Brett McClellan on 5/3/22 9:22 PM
Reducing the amount of air that leaks in and out of your home can cut heating and cooling costs. Caulking and weatherstripping are two simple and effective air-sealing techniques that offer quick returns on investment. Caulk is generally used for cracks and openings between stationary house components, and weatherstripping is used to seal components that move. Here are a few suggestions for air-sealing your home.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Maximizing Fireplace and Chimney Efficiency

By Brett McClellan on 3/25/22 11:50 AM
While fireplaces can be a great source of warmth during the colder months, if they are not properly maintained, they can contribute to quite a bit of heat loss in your living space.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP: Replacing Windows Can Lead to Energy Savings

By Brett McClellan on 2/7/22 7:03 AM
Traditional window materials used in houses across the United States – old single-pane and later double-pane clear glass – do a poor job of keeping out the cold and excessive heat. If you have these windows in your home, you are likely spending hundreds of dollars a year more in home heating and cooling costs than you would with the latest ENERGY STAR® -qualified windows.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP: Take Whole-House Approach to Save Energy This Winter

By Brett McClellan on 12/13/21 8:55 PM
No matter what kind of heating system you have in your home, you can save money and increase your comfort by properly maintaining and upgrading your equipment. But remember, an energy efficient furnace alone will not have as big of an impact on your energy bills as using the whole-house approach. By combining proper equipment maintenance and upgrades with recommended insulation, air sealing, and thermostat settings, you can save about 30 percent on your energy bill while reducing environmental emissions. Here are a few tips:
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Consider a Smart Thermostat

By Brett McClellan on 10/20/21 2:04 PM
A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi enabled device that automatically adjusts heating and cooling temperature settings in your home for optimal performance and energy efficiency. Smart thermostats allow you to control your home’s heating and cooling remotely through your smartphone.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Understanding Home Ventilation

By Brett McClellan on 9/14/21 10:39 AM
Ventilation for cooling is the least expensive and most energy-efficient way to cool buildings, but it works best when combined with techniques to avoid heat buildup in your home. There are three basic ventilation strategies: natural ventilation, spot ventilation, and whole-house ventilation.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY:  Reduce Hot Water Use for Energy Savings

By Brett McClellan on 7/29/21 9:28 AM
Water heating is the second largest energy expense in your home after heating and cooling. Read the tips below to conserve hot water and reduce your energy bills.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Tips for Sealing Air Leaks

By Brett McClellan on 6/7/21 1:39 PM
Reducing the amount of air that leaks in and out of your home is a cost-effective way to cut heating and cooling costs, improve durability of HVAC equipment, increase comfort, and create a healthier indoor environment. Here are a few tips to get started:
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPS: Upgrading Window Frames

By Brett McClellan on 4/22/21 11:38 AM
Improving the thermal resistance of the frame can contribute to a window's overall energy efficiency, particularly its U-factor, which measures how well the window insulates. In general, the range for windows is from 0.20 to 1.20. The lower the U-factor, the better the window insulates. There are advantages and disadvantages to all types of frame materials, but vinyl, wood, fiberglass, and some composite materials provide greater thermal resistance than metal.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPS: Reduce Heat Loss from the Fireplace

By Brett McClellan on 3/10/21 8:06 AM
While fireplaces can be a source of warmth, they can cause heat loss if not properly maintained. Here are a few tips to make sure you're maximizing the efficiency of your fireplace and chimney.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPS: Understanding Efficiency Rating of Furnaces

By Brett McClellan on 1/26/21 11:36 AM
The Federal Trade Commission requires new gas furnaces to display their annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) so that consumers can compare heating efficiencies of various models. AFUE is a measure of how efficient the appliance is in converting the energy in its fuel to heat over the course of a typical year.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP: Change HVAC Filters Regularly

By Brett McClellan on 12/8/20 1:06 PM
Regular replacement of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit’s filter is an essential part of maintenance that can ensure proper functioning of your system, improve its efficiency, increase its lifespan, and reduce your utility costs.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP: Install a Smart Thermostat

By Brett McClellan on 10/21/20 4:13 PM
A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi enabled device that automatically adjusts heating and cooling temperature settings in your home for optimal performance. It provides several benefits and can help you save on your energy bill.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPS: Maintain Your HVAC Equipment

By Brett McClellan on 9/3/20 4:56 PM
Calling a professional for regular maintenance can keep your home’s heating and cooling equipment running efficiently. Here are a few other tips:
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Water Heater Tips

By Brett McClellan on 7/23/20 3:04 PM
Follow these tips to help keep your water heater running efficiently.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPS: Attic Improvements Can Make Home More Efficient

By Brett McClellan on 6/3/20 9:06 AM
To improve the efficiency of your home, be sure your attic is properly vented and sealed. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPS: Prepare Your Home for Air-Conditioning Season

By Brett McClellan on 4/9/20 11:14 AM
Now that spring is here, it’s a good time to think about your home’s insulation before you need air conditioning. Below are a few tips to increase your home’s energy efficiency.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPS: Improve the Efficiency of Your Water Heater

By Brett McClellan on 2/28/20 11:07 AM
By adjusting your water heater’s setting and adding some insulation, you can save money on your utility bill. Follow these tips to improve the efficiency of your home’s natural gas water heater.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPS: Make Your Home More Efficient This Year

By Brett McClellan on 1/17/20 1:30 PM
Is saving money one of your New Year’s resolutions? Practice these energy efficiency tips to save on your heating and cooling costs this year.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP: Seal Air Leaks to Prepare for Winter Heating Season

By Brett McClellan on 11/4/19 2:46 PM
Follow these tips to make your home more efficient this winter!
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP: Install Programmable Thermostat

By Brett McClellan on 10/7/19 8:44 AM
A programmable thermostat can help you save energy and money. Learn a few tips to be more efficient.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP: Be More Efficient with Water Usage

By Brett McClellan on 8/14/19 9:19 AM
Follow these tips to use less water and save money.
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Energy Efficiency Tip: Make the Most of Your Wash Cycles

By Brett McClellan on 5/7/19 1:56 PM
Save energy and water by using energy-efficient appliances, and by running your washer, dryer and dishwasher only when you have a full load.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP: What is R-value?

By Brett McClellan on 4/1/19 9:15 AM
Do you know what R-value is and why it matters? Understanding more about insulation can help you make your home more energy efficient.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP: Seal Your Ducts to Save

By Brett McClellan on 2/4/19 10:20 AM
Taking the time to check for leaks and seal ducts can save energy and money! Follow these tips to ensure your home's ductwork is in the best shape.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP: Is Your Furnace Efficient?

By Brett McClellan on 1/11/19 10:48 AM
If your furnace is more than 15 years old, it’s likely only about 60-70 percent efficient. Modern conventional heating systems can achieve efficiencies as high as 98.5 percent. Follow these tips to improve your system’s efficiency:
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPS: Seal Air Leaks to Save Energy

By Brett McClellan on 11/2/18 12:20 PM
Follow these tips to keep cold air out, make your home tight, and save energy and money!
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Engauge is published by Citizens Energy Group, Corporate Affairs Department, under the direction of Shannon Stahley, Director of Corporate and Public Affairs. It is distributed to the company’s employees and retirees, and to other interested parties upon request.

Editor: Adam Lowe
Graphic Arts: Joel Bustamante and Wayne Stohs

The Corporate Affairs Department welcomes any ideas, comments, or suggestions from readers on how this publication might better serve you. Please email the Corporate Affairs Department at alowe@citizensenergygroup.com.