Want to keep the warmth in and the chill out? There are a number of things you can do to help improve your home’s energy efficiency. Taking some of these steps will not only keep your utility bill costs low, but will also help conserve precious resources.

Start by checking out your appliances. Are they labeled with the Energy Star logo? This sign indicates that the washer, refrigerator, dryer or other appliance is an energy-efficient model. When replacing an older appliance, make sure the new model has this logo.

Even if you aren’t able to replace that older refrigerator or freezer, you can still improve energy efficiency just by keeping the coils - located at the back or on the bottom - clean with regular dusting.
You can save a lot of energy by also making sure you only run the dishwasher when it is full, use the “energy saver” feature and avoid using the dry cycle.

Even the stove can be used more efficiently. If you’re only going to be cooking or reheating a small portion, use the microwave. Use the range-top burners whenever practical, instead of the oven.

Have you wrapped your water heater in an insulated blanket? If it is in an unheated portion of your home, you’re losing a lot of energy if it is not covered. While covering it, check the heater’s thermostat. It should be set to 140 degrees if you have a dishwasher, or 120 degrees if you don’t.

You can cut hot water use and costs if you install energy-efficient showerheads or flow restrictors.

During the cold season, you can save a lot of money on energy costs by having your ducts tested to see if they are leaking. Leaking ducts can reduce the efficiency of your heating system by as much as 30 percent, according to

Pacific Gas and Electric. Any leaks should be properly sealed. It is also a wise idea to install a programmable thermostat. Set it for 68 degrees or lower during the day.

Dirty furnace filters can also be energy wasters, as they reduce air flow and make it so that your furnace has to work much harder.

Keep chilly air out of the house by replacing worn or missing caulk around windows, door frames and ducts, and weatherstripping around doors and windows. It’s also a good idea to plug any gaps you find around any ducts, fans, vents or pipes that go through walls from an unheated space to a heated space.

If you have regular drapes, you might consider replacing them with insulated ones, to keep the chill out at night.

If you use the fireplace, make sure that you turn your heater down, and close the damper when the fireplace is not in use.

There are ways you can save on your energy bill outside the house, as well. If you have a pool, you can keep heat from escaping by keeping it covered. A cover for the air conditioning unit to shade it during hot days will also improve its efficiency.

You can cut down on how much heat you’ll need to use in the winter, and air conditioning in the summer, if you chose plants and trees carefully.

Deciduous trees - planted in the northerly direction - will lose their leaves and allow sunlight in during the winter, and provide cooling shade in the summer.

- For more information on how to improve your home’s energy efficiency, contact California Glass, (707) 643-5609.

California Glass

There are a number of steps you can take to improve your home's energy efficiency, reduce your utility bills, and help conserve precious resources.

Check your appliances for the Energy Star logo. Replace old appliances with the newer, energy efficient ones.

Regularly clean the coils of your refrigerator or freezer.

Only run the dishwasher when full.

Use the microwave instead of the stove when cooking or reheating small amounts of food.

Wrap your hot water heater in an insulated blanket.

Install energy efficient shower heads.

Check your heating ducts for leaks.

Replace furnace filters on a regular basis.

Replace worn or missing caulking around windows, door frames, and ducts.

Use insulated rapes if possible.

Choose your plants and trees carefully – the right landscaping can increase a home’s energy efficiency.