What’s Your Energy Efficiency IQ?

1. As the outside temperature cools, which is an easy DIY project to protect yourself against unwanted heat loss?

• Install weather stripping around windows and doors.
• Re-roof your home before the winter.
• Plant insulating greenery close to the home.
• Use space heaters to heat rooms when unoccupied.

Correct!Incorrect! While these projects have less impact than insulation in the attic or basement, installing weather stripping around windows and doors can cut back on drafts and seal in savings and heat all season.

2. October is Energy Awareness Month; which home appliance contributes most to your electric bill?

• Dishwasher
• Furnace
• Refrigerator
• Oven

Correct!Incorrect! Heating and cooling can account for more than 50% of the energy used in the average American home. If you want to reduce costs, this is a good place to start.

3. Which is an energy-efficient way to keep warmer while indoors this fall?

• Set your thermostat to heat at peak hours.
• Use the oven to warm the kitchen.
• Throw on an extra warm layer, such as a sweater or blanket.
• Run your blankets through the dryer before using them.

Correct!Incorrect! By bundling up during the colder days, you can save a bundle on heating costs.

4. Which is not a way to protect yourself against “Energy Vampires” in your home?

• Unplug space heaters when not in use.
• Install timed power switches in outlets.
• Hang garlic close to appliances.
• Hook up living room home entertainment consoles to switch power strips.

Correct!Incorrect! An “Energy Vampire” is an appliance or device that, even when turned off, still draws trace amounts of power. By unplugging appliances and devices while they are not in use, such as hairdryers and electronics, you are preventing “Energy Vampires” that can increase your electric bill.

5. When hosting a large crowd this season, which energy-saving tips should you do before your guests arrive?

• Turn on all the lights in every room.
• Lower the thermostat a few degrees.
• Open the windows to remove the cooking smell.
• Turn on all the devices to keep people entertained.

Correct!Incorrect! Be a smart, and energy-saving host this season by lowering your thermostat before guests arrive. The oven and your family and friends will add the heat, and by using a ceiling fan, you can circulate the heat (and the homecooked smells) more evenly!

6. Large differences in temperature between rooms can often be a sign of what?

• Uneven attic insulation.
• The thermostat is in the room.
• Too many appliances in one room.
• The room is used heavily.

Correct!Incorrect! Uneven attic insulation can cause noticeable temperature shifts throughout the home. Nine out of 10 homes in the United States are under-insulated, so be sure to check your home's insulation effectiveness by scheduling a no-cost Home Energy Assessment today!