Thinking Green
Conservation Advice
Dominick Fuel has been advocating conservation for decades. With our help, many Fairfield County homeowners have
saved thousands of dollars while reducing their emissions and
making their homes more eco-friendly. We also deliver
Bioheat®, which is an advanced Oilheat formulation that incorporates liquid fuel from plants and other renewable sources. It reduces emissions, supports American agriculture and reduces demand for imported, non-renewable fossil fuels. Finally, our
NEW home energy audits help homeowners achieve significant energy savings while lowering their carbon footprint.
Anyone can be a great conservationist these days. With just a few easy steps, you can join millions of Americans who are reducing their energy consumption. They're saving money, cleaning our skies and reducing our dependence on energy imports - without sacrificing comfort. Please read the conservation advice below and do everything you can to conserve!
Be Rewarded for Your Conservation Efforts!
Federal and state tax credits and rebates — as well as incentives from your local utility — are available for energy-efficient home improvements, including the installation of high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment from Dominick Fuel. Please click on the links below for more information:
- Federal tax credits - You can receive up to $1,500 for the purchase of energy-efficient home improvements.
- CL&P rebates - With support from the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, CL&P can offer you a variety of services and rebates for your home.
10 Cold Weather Conservation Tips
- Let passive solar heating ease your heat load. Open shades and drapes on windows as they get direct sun, then close them to retain warmth when the sun's position has changed.
- Retain heat by making sure that the kitchen vent, the fireplace dampers and all the closet doors are closed whenever possible.
- Remove air conditioning window units, or cover them well.
- Check the thresholds of outer doors for any gaps. A sealing strip that attaches to the bottom of the door virtually stops drafts.
- Add caulking and weather-stripping around doors, attic access, windows, outdoor faucets and any areas where there might be leaks. Check caulking at least once a year and replace material that has dried out and shrunk.
- Check your insulation levels. Energy Star® recommends R-38 to R-49 in ceilings and R-11 to R-22 in wood-frame walls for houses in New England.
- Install rubber gaskets behind outlets and switch plates on exterior walls. (Gaskets can be found in most home improvement stores.)
- Change the windows. Consider low-emissivity glass, which will decrease radiant heat loss without lowering visibility.
- Keep your furnace filter and vents clean. Dirty filters reduce airflow, making your furnace work harder and use more energy.
- Lower your thermostat temperature and wear extra layers.
10 Warm Weather Conservation Tips
- Keep drapes, blinds and shades closed during the day to minimize the sun's heating effects.
- Move furniture away from air conditioning vents so the conditioned air can circulate most effectively.
- Cook on an outdoor grill whenever possible to keep cooking heat outside the home.
- Install reflective window coatings to reflect heat away from your home.
- Use ceiling fans to cool your home. They're much cheaper to operate than air conditioners, and moving air feels cooler, so you can keep your thermostat setting higher.
- Open windows on cool summer days and nights. A good rule of thumb is to open windows any time the outside temperature is colder than the inside of the house.
- Change or clean your air conditioning filter monthly during cooling season to improve efficiency and extend the life of your air conditioner.
- Whenever possible, hang your laundry outdoors to dry.
- Install patio covers, awnings, and solar window screens to shade your home from the sun.
- Keep the coils of your central or window air conditioner free of dust and dirt.
4 Year-Round Conservation Tips
- Use a programmable thermostat. This device saves energy all year by automatically adjusting temperatures to coincide with your daily routine.
- Switch to Energy Star®-rated appliances and heating/cooling equipment to save up to 40% on your energy expenses.
- Use CFLs. Change your lighting to compact fluorescent bulbs. They last up to 13 times longer and use 75% less energy than standard light bulbs.
- Seal duct leaks with mastic, metal-backed tape or aerosol sealant to reduce the loss of conditioned air from your furnace or air-conditioning system.
- Finally, contact us for a comprehensive home energy audit, and save up to 40% on your energy bills!
NEW!
Home Energy Audits
How would you like to save 20% to 40% off your energy bills? It's easy, when you partner with Dominick Fuel!
Did you know that precious dollars could be going up your chimney and through hidden cracks in your home? That's right - your home could be wasting energy and leaking an excessive amount warm air in the winter and cold air in the summer.
With Dominick Fuel's home energy audit, you'll learn where to put your money in order to save money ... and enjoy more comfort and peace of mind. Our energy conservation professionals have been trained in taking a "whole-house" approach when testing homes and identifying necessary energy efficiency improvements.
As a BPI (Building Performance Institute) Accredited Contractor, Dominick Fuel will perform a home energy audit at a nominal fee. This comprehensive assessment provides you with valuable information - our "report card" - regarding the existing condition of your home, and identifies areas where energy efficiency, comfort and safety improvements can be made. We can then help identify short- and long-term solutions (such as ductwork sealing and energy-efficient comfort equipment upgrades) to remedy any problem areas in your home.
Financial incentives, such as the stimulus bill tax credits, may be available to help pay for these energy-efficient home improvements.
For more information on a home energy audit, click here.
