Usage and Safety 
the exterior

Try these low- or no-cost tips to boost your household’s energy efficiency:

Protect the Exterior

  • Small cracks cause big heat losses. Caulk around the frames of all your windows and exterior doors.
  • Replace or repair dried and cracked window putty. Also replace, patch or tape cracked or broken panes of glass to reduce air leakage and drafts.
  • If you have single-pane windows, install storm windows on every window in your home and storm doors on all exterior doors.
  • Locate your trees, shrubs and fences to provide maximum shade, wind and sun protection. Trained nursery personnel can help you design a landscape plan with energy efficiency in mind.
 
 

did you know?

In houses with forced-air heating and cooling systems, ducts are used to distribute conditioned air throughout the house. In a typical house, however, about 20 percent of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks and poorly sealed connections. The result is higher utility bills.

Find out more