Help for PGW customers to pay their heating bills (click here)
The Mini-PHIL loan can be used to make improvements to your home that will reduce your energy consumption and utility bills.
1. Install a Setback Thermostat - For every degree you set the temperature back, you can save 3% of your
heating bill. For example, if you lower your thermostat setting from
72 at 68 during the day, you’ll save 12% of your heating bill. Air conditioning savings in the summer are comparable if you set your temperature up.
2. Repair and seal those leaky windows - Use caulk, rope caulk and storm windows to seal out the cold air. Tighten your window locks. Repair all broken windows. Replace all broken glass. Reglaze any panes that need new glazing.
3. Seal Drafts around Doors - Use V-seal, caulk, door sweeps and other weatherstripping to provide a tightly sealed door.
4. Seal up penetrations, leaks and holes in your basement using expanding foam or insulation stuffed into plastic bags.
5. Build a "Basement Under Porch Partition"
to keep cold air from infiltrating though the porch floor and into your
basement. Put a door into the partition wall to access the front of
your basement.
6. Repair all leaks into your attic. This includes your attic hatch and the stairway to the attic.
7. Increase the insulation in your attic - If you have R-11 or less, add insulation up to R-38. Make sure to air seal before you insulate.
8. Buy "Energy Star" appliances
when replacing your refridgerator, heater, air conditioner, and/or
dishwasher. If you are replacing your heater, consider a condensing
furnace. Visit Energy Star for more information.
9. Instal radiator reflectors
and bleed your radiators to get rid of air trapped in them, or if you
have a forced air system, replace your furnace filter before winter.
10. Seal leaky ductwork with mastic - avoid using duct tape.
11. Turn your water heater down to 110 degrees and install an insulating jacket and pipe wrap on at least the first 5 feet leading off the water heater.
12. Use compact fluorescent lamps (CFLS) instead of incandescent bulbs and save up to 75% of your lighting costs. CFLS can last up to 8 years.
13. Coat your roof
with white, acrylic, elastomeric roof coating to reduce your
airconditioning bill by up to 22%. These coatings can be applied over
existing rooled roofing, modified bitumen (rubber roofing), metal and
any seamed roofing material. They also extend the life of your roof by
up to 10 years.
14. Install a Solar Water Heater and save up to 70% on your water heating costs. Federal tax credits may be available for this improvement.
15. Save water by installing low flush toilets, low flow showerheads and faucet aerators. Remeber to repairs leaks as soon as they start.
