TOTAL HOME INSPECTION, INC.

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Energy Conservation Suggestions

Structural

(Foundation / Basement / Floor Framing

• Crawl Spaces – install concrete flooring and insulate area
• Exterior Door and Windows – weather strip
• Add Room in Basement – insulate outer walls

Roof

(Attic)

• Insulation – install adequate amount
• Vent and Window Opening – caulk and weather strip
• Ventilation – adequate and unobstructed

                                    (reduces heat build up, condensation and moisture)

• Attic Entrance Way – insulation cover
• Replacing Roof Shingles – lighter color shingle

       (more reflective, reduces heat build up)

Exterior

• Seams and Cracks – caulk and maintain all joints
• Doors and Windows – add storm doors and windows, weather strip
• Insulation – add wherever necessary

                                  (above garage, rooms usually cooler over garage)

Electrical

• Outside Lights – set up on timers
• Appliances and Lights – turn off when not using
• Cloth Washing – use warm and /or cold when possible

Heating and Air Conditioning

• Crawl Space – insulate duct work
• Storm Windows and Door – (add) maintains inside temperature longer
• Fireplace – damper closed when not in use
• Unused Rooms – Close off to reduce air flow
• Lower Thermostat – several degrees when no one home during day time or when

     away for day or more. Note: make sure not to turn unit off!!!

• Summer Time – close shades and curtain, keeps home cooler

Ventilation

• Vents – keep unobstructed at all times (do not block off)

Plumbing

(Fixtures)

• Do not use toilets as trash can. Waste of water
• Shower – on average, uses less water than taking a bath

(Interior Systems)

• Water Pipes – insulate
• Water Heater – set at 130 degrees Fahrenheit or less
• Water Heater – when replacing, models that rate high in energy efficiency
• Showers – water saver shower head, regulates water volume
• Washer (Dish and cloth) – try to do full loads
• Repairs – minor plumbing leaks add up

Interior Surfaces

• Fireplaces – add glass doors, helps prevent heat for escaping
• Fireplace – install a recirculator, add hot air to room

Windows, Doors, and Walls – caulk around molding

BEST OF LUCK IN YOUR NEW HOME

Phil Rubenstein

Total Home Inspection, Inc.