Saving water and energy are very important around Madison, to our neighbors, and to me. Here are a few tips that I like to share with my friends and clients. At the bottom of the page, I have also included a few websites which I find extremely helpful. I hope you find this post useful, please share this energy saving information with others who might be interested as well.

Energy Conservation:

• Seal your air ducts.
  • Foil tape where there are holes.
  • Insulation wrap around heat ducts in the basement.
• Install a programmable thermostat.
  • Any thermostat that allows you to program the thermostat will save you money.
• Change your furnace air filter regularly.
  • Basic air filters should be changed monthly.
  • You can upgrade your furnace filter to a style that may only need to be changed annually. Talk to your heating and cooling professional today.
• Install insulation at your foundation wall in the sill boxes.
  • Click here to view appropriate methods of installing insulation.
• Caulk the exterior of your home in appropriate places.
  • Windows and doors: Between the frames and siding; at the tops, sides and under the bottom sills.
  • Penetrations: Openings cut for water faucets, dryer vents, A/C units and other equipment. Make sure there are no gaps and that caulking surrounds each hole.
  • Chimney or other masonry where it meets the siding.
• Properly weatherstrip all exterior doors.
• Storm windows up for the winter.
• Proper amount of insulation in the attic. Be sure not to add too much insulation as this could cause problems. If you have icicles in the winter, you should consult an insulation professional to help you determine what and where you need insulation.

Water Conservation:

• Dumping a glass of water down the drain? How about keep your watering can next to the sink and reuse it to water your plants?
• Have an old toilet? Put an inch or two of sand/pebbles inside each of 2 plastic water bottles to weigh them down. Fill the bottles with water, screw on the lids and put them in your toilet tank. This will help reduce the amount of water that is flushed. Otherwise, buy an inexpensive float booster which may save ten or more gallons of water per day!
• Insulate your hot water pipes in the exposed basement.
• Take shorter showers. A 4 minute shower uses anywhere between 20-40 gallons.
• Turn off water after you wet your tooth brush.
• Regularly check for leaks in all faucets and toilets.

Helpful Sites:

www.focusonenergy.com/residential
www.GreenMadison.org
www.americanwater.com/49ways.php
www.lauerrealtygroup.com/green-resources/

Not everyone is handy, so I’ve got a list of trusted contractors I recommend to clients, ask me for my list of plumbers and electricians!

From the desk of Rachel Whaley