Jackson EMC DIY Home Checkup Kit

NOV2017

PLAYLIST: DIY: Water Heater Tips DIY: Thermal Envelope DIY: HVAC Tips DIY: Energy Usage Habits

jacksonemc.com/diy

PLAYLIST: DIY: Water Heater Tips DIY: Thermal Envelope DIY: HVAC Tips DIY: Energy Usage Habits

jacksonemc.com/diy

HOME CHECK-UP CHECKLIST After you watch The Home Checkup video, use this walk through checklist to help examine your home and identify potential problems. If you have answered “no” to a substantial number of these questions and would like further assistance, contact your local Jackson EMC office. Our energy experts can provide information about improving your home’s energy efficiency, the availability of low-interest home improvement loans, or scheduling a comprehensive energy check-up.

THE “BIG TICKET” ITEMS Ductwork and Air Flow

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Is the ductwork airtight without leaks?

Are all of the ductwork joints connected?

Are the ducts foil-wrapped with insulation?

Is the ductwork looped or bent, restricting air flow?

• Are supply/return vents unobstructed?

Heating and Cooling System • Has your air filter been changed within the last 3 months?

• Is your outdoor unit free of objects that can reduce airflow?

• Has your heating and cooling system been serviced by a licensed HVAC contractor within the past six months?

Water Heating • Is the water heater free of leaks?

• Is the temperature set no higher than 120° F? • Are the hot water lines and faucets free of leaks?

• Are the hot water lines properly insulated?

THE “THERMAL” ENVELOPE Attic • Is blown-in insulation at least 12-14 inches deep?

Or batt insulation at least 10 inches deep?

• Is blown-in insulation evenly spread, covering ceiling joists?

• Is insulation compressed by storage items?

• Does roof structure have both low (intake) and high (exhaust) ventilation?

HOME CHECK-UP CHECKLIST

THE “THERMAL” ENVELOPE Intake Ventilation

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• Are the low vents in your roof structure: Soffit vents?

Low mushroom vents?

Exhaust Ventilation • Are the high vents in your roof structure: Mushroom vents?

Continuous ridge vents?

Gable vents?

Living Area • Do you have double-paned windows?

Quality storm windows?

Energy-efficient low-e windows?

• Are gaps and crevices around windows and doors sealed with caulk?

• Does the door leading to the basement have an airtight seal?

• Does your fireplace have glass doors?

• Is the damper closed when fireplace is not in use?

• Is the floor insulated?

• Does floor insulation have the vapor barrier (paper side) facing up toward the interior floor?

• Do you have foam gaskets behind light switches and electrical outlets?

• Have you sealed holes around pipes in the kitchen and bathroom cabinets?

Energy Usage Habits • Do you turn off lights that are not being used?

• Is the thermostat set no lower than 78° F in the summer and no higher than 68° F in the winter?

• Do you use LED bulbs?

• Do showerheads/faucets have water flow restrictors, or are they low-flow?

ENERGY SAVINGS TIPS

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Recommended R-value in the ceiling area is R-38. R-value is a measure of resistance to heat flow through a given thickness of material. The higher the R-value, the greater the resistance.

Recommended R-value in the floor area is R-19.

Open the blinds in the winter to allow the sun to heat your house. In the summer, use blinds or drapes to help keep your home cool.

In the summer, restrict the use of heating appliances (cooking, drying, dishwashing) to the early morning or evening hours.

Only run the dishwasher or washing machine when you have a full load.

Use cold water instead of hot water whenever possible.

ENERGY SAVINGS TIPS [ CONTINUED FROM FRONT ]

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Install a programmable thermostat.

It can save you as much as 10% on energy costs every year.

Don’t block indoor air supply and return vents with furniture or other objects.

Don’t overheat water. Set the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees.

Use energy-efficient LED bulbs.

Unplug electronic devices and chargers when not in use.

jacksonemc.com/diy

NOV2017