HE-314
A DOLLAR-SAVING CHECKLIST
by
jean hi. Bailor.
Family Resource manaoement Extension specialist and Susan B. Davis Dollar Sense Prelect Assistant
Not all homes are created equal, especially if you compare their energy efficiency! The amount of energy required to maintain a comfortable temperature, feed, clothe and keep a family clean depends upon your home and your family. Whether you live in a ranch style house, a high rise apartment, a Victorian mansion or a mobile home, there are some basic features to consider in energy use.
Use this survey to evaluate your family’s energy efficiency rating. You may find that you’ve made some wise decisions and formed some very good habits OR you may find some areas for improvement. Remember as energy costs continue to increase, a change to conserve energy can be considered an investment. The payoff will be lower energy bills.
CONSIDER MODIFYING VOUR HOME
Is the home shaded on the south and west sides?
Large deciduous (leafy) shade trees are ideal because they provide summer shade during hot weather and allow winter sun to help heat the house.
Are the north and west sides of the home protected from the wind by low evergreen shrubs or a slatted fence? They can create “dead air space” which is an effective means of insulation.
Are your refrigerator and freezer located away from heat sources (range, heat register, sunny window)?
Heat makes them run more often.
Is the water heater located close to the area where you use the hot water?
Is the water heater located in a heated space?
Do you have an insulated blanket on your water heater?
Are the hot water pipes wrapped with insulation?
Does the home have insulated glass or storm windows to reduce heat loss? Double-pane insulated glass will reduce half of the heat loss from the window. Even inexpensive plastic storm windows produce a significant reduction in energy loss.
Are there storm doors on each door? Use of storm doors will reduce heat loss nearly a third from door areas.
Is there weather stripping around the door jambs
and windows? It keeps cold air out in the winter and hot air out during the air conditioning season.
Is the caulking around the windows and door frames in good condition? After a few years, caulking dries up, shrinks, and chips out. It should be replaced.

Is insulation wrapped around the heating ducts where they pass through unheated areas? If the air conditioning system uses the same ducts, the insulation will also reduce summer cooling costs.
Is there insulation above your ceiling? See the Energy Fact sheet on types and thicknesses of insulation to evaluate the adequacy of the insulation.
Are the attic and gable areas of the home adequately ventilated? At least 1 sq. ft. of eave inlet for each 150 ft of ceiling area is recommended.
Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, State of Indiana, Purdue University and U. S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.  H. G. Diesslin, Director, Lafayette, IN. Issued in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914. It is the policy of the Cooperative Extension Service of Purdue University that all persons shall have equal opportunity and access to its programs and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex or national origin.

• COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE • PURDUE UNIVERSITY • WEST LAFAYETTE. INDIANA •