Resources for conservation and efficiency
Recycling in the nine North Quabbin towns and beyond
Instructions for making Winserts using the method developed by North Quabbin Energy member Brian Nugent
National Grid customers can join GreenStart, a quick and easy way to purchase some or all of their electricity from renewable sources while helping their towns to raise funds for renewable energy projects
Information on getting a home energy audit in Massachusetts through the MassSave program:
- for National Grid customers
- Western Mass. Electric customers
- Others in Massaschusetts
Tips on "Taming Your Home Energy Beast"
from Peter Talmage, Professional Engineer and Energy Auditor(Taken from a talk given at the 2008 Garlic and Arts Festival, Orange, Mass.)
No cost
- turn your thermostat down
- set the temperature on your water heater to around 120 degrees
- save money by not heating your whole house
- use cold cycle on washing machine
- dry clothes on a clothesline or rack
- unplug electronics when not in use
- turn off lights that are not being used
- take shorter showers and use a low-flow shower head
- be more aware of waste in general (eg. in water usage)
- maximize solar gain from south-facing windows in cold seasons by trimming bushes, removing screens, opening shades
- clean baseboard heaters and under refrigerators to optimize their efficiency
- get a free energy audit from your utility company (call 1-800-666-3303 for Western Mass. Electric customers, 1-800-632-8300 for National Grid)
Low cost
- get a more thorough energy audit for $75 to trace air leakages thoroughly
- install a programmable thermostat and have it automatically set the temperature back at night
- have your boiler or furnace cleaned/serviced annually (every other year for natural gas)
- air seal the house as much as possible (eg. around ceiling light fixtures, areas around pipes and electrical, cracks around doors/windows, gaps in foundation, electrical outlets)
- insulate the attic with cellulose
- insulate the top two feet of your foundation
- insulate walls if there is no insulation there already (otherwise, concentrate on attic, foundation, and cracks/leaks around doors, windows, joints, etc.)
- insulate hot water pipes with 1/2” or 3/4” foam insulation
- choose Energy Star if you’re buying new appliances
- use power strips and timers to eliminate “phantom loads” on appliances (eg. cable box, modem, computer, TV/DVD/VCR)