Ready for Winter? Tips from the Love Story
Winter is right around the corner. Are you excited about the holidays but also want to save money to buy Christmas gifts? Here are some top energy-saving tips from the Love Story that could save energy and your bill.
[Exterior]
Enhance insulation
Insulation can be the single most effective way to save energy.
In the setting of Love Story, Boston, is located at Climate Zone 5 and Marine 4. Therefore, if Jenny and Oliver decided on which insulation to purchase, they would’ve to look for an “R-value” at Zone 5 and Marine 4 and choose the material equal to or higher than the recommendation in the IECC Code Chapter 4.
- If they decided to stay at Jenny’s place, an apartment, then they would refer to the IECC [Table C402.1.3]
- If they decided to stay in a townhome or single-family house because their intense love defeated the cancer cells, then they would refer to the IECC [Table R402.1.3]
Pay attention to openings
Seal up any cracks:
Jenny would help Oliver to ensure windows, doors, baseboards, and other openings were fully sealed by caulking or weather-stripping them.
(By the way, EPA was created in December 1970 by President Nixon to protect human health and the environment. So, in Hazel’s storyboard, they likely received a “Do-It-Yourself-Project-weatherstrip” flyer at the door on the way to the hockey ring.)
Install storm windows:
this will increase the air gap between the glazing. In general, an air gap functions the same as the vacuum layer of the thermos cup. It will reduce the heat from the interior passing outside.
Replace with Low-E glass:
Low-E glasses are designed to reduce the surfaces’ emissivity and improve the windows’ insulating properties.
[Interior]
Keep the pipelines warm
Insulate water heater and water pipe:
Insulating water pipes reduce heat loss. It could raise the water temperature to 2-to-4 degrees Fahrenheit. Water heater insulation could reduce standby heat losses by 25%–45% and save Oliver about 7%–16% in water heating costs.
(P.S. After they received the first flyer and realized it worked. Jenny called and asked the EPA to mail another “Do-It-Yourself-Project” brochure about insulating water tanks.)
Prevent cold air infiltration
During their winter breaks, they also did some air-sealing projects. Such as:
Seal up electrical outlets and switches
They insulated those electrical plates and wiring holes that partially connect to outdoors, which can reduce drafts and keep their home comfortable.
Seal up recessed lighting
Some lighting openings (connecting to the attic or roof deck) are often overlooked sources of energy loss. Jenny and Oliver had to ensure a 3-inch separation between the lighting source and insulations.
Wise use of equipment and appliances
Get help from a ceiling fan
Operate the ceiling fan in reverse mode (clockwise) at a slow speed in the cold weather. That will gently draw the room air upwards and force the warm air down and out towards the walls.
Use a power strip or master switch
Electronics draw power even when in sleep mode or turned off. Therefore, using a power stripe is a low-cost and easiest way to turn off electronics when you use them.
Use dimmable lights where possible
Being able to dim the lights in your home can save energy.
(Jenny and Oliver didn’t have the following tips either, because there were no such devices yet.)
Use LED and LCD TVs
These screens are more efficient than standard and Plasma T.V.s.
Multifunctional devices
Most office equipment that combines printers, copiers, and scanners is best for the home. They use less energy, especially when inactive. Also, Inkjet printers use less energy than laser printers.
ENERGY STAR® certified
choosing appliances with Energy Star certified. A machine such as a dryer can save up to 20%-25% less energy.
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Last, if you are not Jenny and Oliver’s neighbor but live in the D.C. metropolitan area, you could refer to climate zone 4A and get the following tables for the desirable insulation value.
