One of the major expense in your home is probably your energy bill(s), with most of it going to heating and cooling your home. Here are several low cost solutions to help make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.
Cover Drafty Windows
Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or use a window sealing kit to cover your windows during the cold winter months. Make sure the plastic is tightly sealed.
Find and Seal Leaks
About 1/3 of hot (or cold) air escapes through leaks and cracks. Some of the quickest dollar saving tasks you can do are caulk, seal and weather-strip seams and cracks in your ceilings, walls and floors.
Seal air leaks around utility cut-throughs for pipes, gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets.
Add caulk or weather-stripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.
Install foam gaskets behind wall outlet and switch plates.
Install a programmable thermostat
Over an 8 hour period, a savings as much a 1% can be gained for each degree that you set your thermostat back. A programmable thermostat can make it easy to automatically set back the temperature in your home. Some models allow you to adjust your home temperature through smartphone apps!
Replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs to produce less heat, which can cut energy costs associated with home cooling. They also use less energy than traditional bulls.
Lower your water heating cost by turning down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120). Properly cover your water heater tank with an insulating blanket.
Have an annual tune-up for your heating system. This will help extend the life of your heating system while ensuring that it’s operating safely. If you have an older system you can replace it by installing a new, highly efficient system.
Hire a professional to come in and take a look at your current home and see what they would advise for ways to save on your energy costs.
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Nancy on the Home Front 