Suspra Owl Pathways /  Energy Pathway
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Optimize Energy Efficiency

Building 301 Insulating Check and upgrade insulation in your building envelope 302 Removing Chimneys Remove unused chimneys 401 Going Passive Solar Build a passive solar structure 402 Cooling Roofs Install a cool roof that reflects more sunlight than a conventional roof Cooking 301 Induction Cooking Install an energy-efficient electric induction stove 302 Convection Cooking Install an energy-efficient electric convection oven Heating & Cooling 101 Setting Thermostats Set back thermostats 201 Programming Thermostats Install and program smart thermostats 202 Circulating Air Use wood stove fans to circulate warm air 301 Sealing Ducts Locate and seal air leaks in ducting 302 Installing Wood Stoves How to install an EPA-certified wood stove with dedicated makeup air 303 Fanning Rooms Install and use energy-efficient ceiling fans in summer and winter 304 Fanning Home Install and use a whole-house fan 305 Pumping Heat Install and use heat pumps for heating and cooling 306 Ventilating Install and use a heat recovery or energy (enthalpy) recovery ventilator 401 Distributing Heat Replace forced air with hydronic, electric, or advanced heat distribution Landscaping 301 Planting Shade Trees Plant deciduous trees to provide noon and afternoon shade in summer 302 Planting Windbreaks Plant evergreen trees and shrubs to provide windbreaks in winter Lighting 101 Installing LEDs Install light-emitting diode (LED) lighting 201 Controlling Lighting Install motion sensors to turn lighting off automatically 301 Dimming Install automatic daylight dimming 302 Piping Light Install light pipes to provide passive daylight in interior rooms Maintaining Efficiency 101 Cleaning Systems Clean coils, ducts, and filters of furnaces, heat pumps, and refrigerators 201 Replacing Filters Replace disposable filters per manufacturer recommendations 202 Insulating Ducts Maintain insulation around ducts that go through unconditioned spaces 203 Inspecting Burners Inspect and clean all fuel-burning equipment every year Optimizing Appliances 201 Installing Smart Strips Install smart power strips that automatically turn off devices 202 Upgrading Electronics Upgrade televisions and computers with more efficient models Optimizing Fenestration 101 Closing Windows Close windows when outside temperature or humidity is uncomfortable 102 Using Blinds Open and close curtains or blinds to optimize the benefits of sunshine 201 Installing Inserts Install storm windows or insulating inserts to reduce air and energy flows 202 Using Awnings Install and use window shade or awnings to keep summer sun out 203 Fixing Panes Fix cracked panes in windows 301 Repairing Windows Repair or replace windows with broken seals 302 Installing Windows Install energy-efficient windows 303 Installing Doors Install energy-efficient doors Optimizing Vehicles 101 Inflating Tires Keep tires inflated to the pressure on the door jamb or in the owner’s manual 102 Cruising Use cruise control to maximize fuel economy 201 Using Racks Use a trunk rack or hitch rack rather than a roof rack to improve fuel economy 301 Improving Racks Choose an aerodynamic roof rack with a wind deflector Plumbing 201 Insulating Pipes Insulate hot water and heating pipes 301 Pumping Heat Install an electric heat pump water heater Refrigerating 101 Circulating Air Ensure your refrigerator has good air circulation around it to allow hot air to escape 201 Shading Refrigerators Shade refrigerators and freezers from sunlight 301 Upgrading Install an energy-efficient refrigerator or freezer Sealing 101 Caulking Use caulk and foam to seal air gaps to reduce unwanted airflow 201 Weatherstripping Maintain window and door weatherstripping to prevent unwanted airflow Washing 101 Using Cold Water Wash clothes in cold water using detergents containing cold-water enzymes 201 Upgrading Washing Machines Install an energy-efficient washing machine with a high-speed spin cycle 301 Drying Clothes Install a ventless electric clothes dryer