Energy-Saving Tips for New Hampshire Homes

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.

Primary guidance: DOE thermostat setbacks, ENERGY STAR duct sealing, and EPA indoor humidity.

Seal an unused fireplace

An unused fireplace can be a noticeable air-leak path. Before installing a removable draft stopper, confirm that the fireplace is completely out of use and follow the product's fire-safety instructions. Never block a flue serving operating equipment.

Stop drips at the source

A steady faucet drip wastes water and, at a hot-water tap, also wastes the energy used to heat it. The repair depends on the faucet design and condition. Shut off the fixture supply before attempting work, and call a plumber if the shutoff will not hold or the faucet is corroded.

Seal HVAC ducts

ENERGY STAR reports that a typical house can lose about 20 to 30 percent of the air moving through its duct system because of leaks, holes, and poor connections. The amount in a particular home must be measured. Seal accessible joints with listed duct mastic or UL 181-rated tape, and have hidden or extensive leakage tested professionally.

Use equipment-appropriate thermostat settings

A schedule can reduce runtime when a home is asleep or empty. DOE says setbacks of 7°F to 10°F for eight hours can save as much as 10 percent a year in suitable systems, but heat pumps and freeze-prone homes need equipment-appropriate settings. A.J. LeBlanc Heating can configure the control for the actual system.

Manage winter humidity

Aim for indoor relative humidity between 30 and 45 percent in winter. Use a hygrometer, lower the setting when outdoor temperatures fall, and reduce it if condensation appears on windows or other cold surfaces.

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.

Check water-heater and pipe insulation

Some older storage water heaters benefit from an approved insulation blanket. Check the equipment manual first and never cover controls, vents, labels, or combustion-air openings. Insulating accessible hot-water piping can reduce distribution heat loss. Follow the material and clearance requirements for the system.

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 or call 603-623-0412. 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.