Energy-Saving Tips

Most New Hampshire homes are leaking energy in places that are not obvious from the outside: duct seams, chimneys, water heaters, faucet washers. None of these fixes are dramatic on their own. Stacked together, they reliably cut a meaningful chunk off heating and hot-water bills without a single equipment upgrade.

Below are the small projects we recommend to homeowners in Manchester, Bedford, Concord, Nashua, Salem, and Auburn. Each one stands alone, so pick the few that apply to your house.

Seal an unused fireplace

On average, roughly 14 percent of the air leaking in and out of a home flows through the chimney. If you rarely use your fireplace, an inflatable chimney draft stopper (sometimes called a chimney balloon) is one of the cheapest, fastest fixes available. They install in seconds and can be removed and reinstalled each year.

Stop drips at the source

A faucet leaking 10 drips per minute wastes more than 500 gallons of water per year. If it is a hot water tap, you are also paying to heat all of that. Swapping a worn washer or O-ring is a beginner-level DIY repair and pays for itself in the first month.

Seal HVAC ducts

Many homes, old and new, have poorly sealed duct seams. Industry studies suggest that between 25 and 40 percent of the conditioned air entering ducts can leak out through joints, gaps, and disconnected sections, often into attics or crawlspaces where it does nothing for you.

• Use foil tape rated for HVAC use (UL 181) or duct mastic, not standard cloth duct tape.
• Focus on the seams at boots, plenums, takeoffs, and any visible joints in unconditioned space.
• For a thorough fix, a contractor with duct-blaster equipment can quantify and seal leaks throughout the system.

Use a programmable or smart thermostat

Setting back the thermostat when you are asleep or away is one of the most effective free changes a homeowner can make. A 4 to 6 degree setback for eight hours can trim roughly 10 percent off seasonal heating costs.

• Energy Star certified programmable thermostats are inexpensive and reliable.
• Smart thermostats (Ecobee, Nest, Honeywell Home) build the schedule automatically based on motion and occupancy.
• Avoid large setbacks during extreme cold snaps in NH. Steady temperatures reduce frozen pipe risk.

Add humidity in winter

Dry indoor air holds less heat and feels cooler against the skin, which makes people reach for the thermostat. Adding moisture in the heating season, either with a portable unit or a whole-house humidifier mounted on the furnace, lets the home feel comfortable at a slightly lower setpoint. Aim for indoor relative humidity between 30 and 45 percent in winter.

Throttle back showers

Showers account for roughly 17 to 20 percent of a household's water use, and most of that is hot water. Installing a quality low-flow showerhead can cut flow from 2.5 gpm to 1.75 gpm or less with almost no perceptible difference in shower quality. Pair with a thermostatic mixing valve at the water heater to safely run the tank a few degrees hotter and stretch hot water capacity further.

Insulate your water heater and pipes

A standard storage water heater loses heat constantly through the tank walls. Wrapping an uninsulated electric or gas tank in an R-10 or higher water heater blanket can cut standby losses by 4 to 9 percent. Check the manufacturer's instructions first, since some modern high-efficiency tanks should not be wrapped.

Insulating the first six feet of hot and cold pipes leaving the tank lowers wait time at the faucet and reduces wasted water. Pipe insulation runs a few dollars per length and installs with no tools.

Upgrade windows strategically

Window replacement is one of the more expensive efficiency projects. If your single-pane or aging double-pane windows are a major source of discomfort, weigh these options:

• Storm windows or low-emissivity (low-e) film can deliver meaningful gains for a fraction of the cost.
• Window replacement is typically more about comfort than payback. The energy savings rarely justify the cost on their own.
• Combine with attic insulation and air sealing for the best results.

Tap into NHSaves rebates

Many of the larger projects (attic insulation, air sealing, high-efficiency equipment) are eligible for rebates and low-interest financing through NHSaves. Start with a home energy assessment to see what your home qualifies for.

Need help putting this together?

If you want a professional look at where your energy is going, or you are ready to upgrade equipment, contact A.J. LeBlanc Heating. Serving New Hampshire families since 1928.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which energy-saving tip pays back fastest?

For most NH homes, sealing air leaks and changing the furnace filter pay back almost immediately. Duct sealing and programmable thermostats are close seconds.

Should I insulate my water heater?

If you have an older electric or gas tank that feels warm to the touch, yes. Confirm with the manufacturer first, since some newer high-efficiency models are designed not to be wrapped.

What is the ideal indoor humidity in winter?

Between 30 and 45 percent. Lower than that feels dry and cold. Higher than that can lead to condensation on windows and mold risk in cold climates.

Are smart thermostats really worth it?

For most households, yes. The automated scheduling and occupancy sensing make it easier to actually capture the savings a programmable thermostat is capable of.

How do I get an NHSaves energy assessment?

Visit nhsaves.com or ask your utility for the current process. Assessments are typically heavily subsidized for eligible homes.