A Summer Efficiency Checklist For Your Home

Finding yourself with some newfound time as we work our way through the last weeks of our COVID spring? Why not give yourself some home projects to tackle.

Here’s a checklist to help you get a handle on what needs to be done to keep your western NC home comfortable and running efficiently in the coming weeks.

Thermostat Efficiency

• Set reasonable thermostat temperatures; the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends 78 degrees during warm weather months when people are home for the best balance of comfort and energy savings.

Water Heater Efficiency

• Drain your water heater to remove accumulated sediment; check out this video to see how.
• Consider replacing your electric water heater or propane storage-type water heater with a propane tankless water heater to cut your energy bills and save money in the long run
• Consider resetting the temperature of the water heater thermostat to 120 degrees (default settings are often 140 degrees) to get the best balance of comfort and energy savings; for every 10 degrees you lower the temperature, you’ll save 3-5 percent on your bill, says the DOE. Keep the temperature at 140 degrees if someone in your home suffers from immune deficiency.

Vent Efficiency

• Close vents in unused rooms to reduce energy use
• Clear obstructions from vents to keep air moving
• Check your A/C air filter once a month, changing or cleaning it as necessary

Door Efficiency

• Keep doors closed between conditioned and unconditioned spaces; check and replace seals around interior doors to keep conditioned air from escaping
• Check door sweeps to make sure they are blocking drafts and keeping conditioned air inside your home. If you don’t have door sweeps, consider installing them.

Window Efficiency

• Check caulking on window frames to prevent conditioned air from escaping
• Clear window tracks so windows seal properly

Efficiency With Window Treatments

• Consider using window treatments that support your HVAC system, such as insulated treatments in cooler weather and reflective treatments during the hotter months. Learn more about efficiency-enhancing window hacks here.

Generator Efficiency

• If you have a whole house generator, have it professionally serviced; if you can’t, at least test run it to be sure everything is in working order.
• Schedule a propane delivery in preparation of severe summer weather and hurricane season; make sure you have enough propane to last at least one week in the event of a power outage

Heating System Efficiency

• Consider scheduling a heating system tune-up to avoid the fall rush

Cooling System Efficiency

• Clear debris from your outdoor condenser unit
• Test run your cooling system to check for any obvious problems
• Schedule professional service before the hottest days arrive

Attic Efficiency

• Bring your installation up to recommended R-values to help stabilize temperatures year-round and reduce air leaks in your home; you can get some guidance on where and how much insulation to install here.

Alarm Efficiency

• Test all alarms – smoke, CO, radon detectors, etc., replacing batteries if needed

Fireplace / Wood Stove Efficiency

• Close the damper to prevent heat from entering through the chimney
• Schedule maintenance for your propane fireplace
• Schedule a chimney inspection for your wood-burning fireplace to prevent hazards related to creosote buildup

Need a propane delivery or propane appliance installation in western North Carolina? We can help. Contact James Oxygen today to schedule a service appointment and get your equipment back on top of its game.

Please note: At James Oxygen, your safety and comfort are always our priority. Please see our COVID-19 Service Update Page to learn more about how we are working to keep our your family and our crews safe and your propane deliveries coming during this challenging time.