- Simple energy efficient savings can help. - Source: Hasby
Analyze and tweak your home energy efficient strategies. Simple changes like adding energy saving wall insulation can lead to a lower bill.
As utility bills rise, savvy home improvement experts may try to make changes to their house to save money. Simple adjustments, like adding wall insulation or changing light bulbs can make a big difference.
Bigger fixes can mean lower bills. By making small changes to the air conditioning and heating home owners can reduce their energy consumption. The good news is that minor changes can save a large amount of money. ( Water conservation can help, too.)
Simple Energy Saving Tips
- Change all the household lightbulbs to the fancy new compact energy efficient bulbs. They make a huge difference on the electric and gas utility bills. The basic rules are simple: Turn off lights and appliances when people leave the room. Set the thermostat to 68 degrees, etc.
- The sun is a natural way to heat the house, so open the shades during the day. When the sun sets, close the shades to keep the warmth inside.
- Unplug the “vampire” electronics that quietly suck up energy without offering any benefits. Unplug the cell phone charger, the radio, etc. Power strips make turning-off an easier task.
- Many people waste a lot of money on their fireplace. Close the damper when it’s not in use—but make sure it's open it again before it is used again.
Energy Saving Through Home Energy Monitoring
- What about the laundry room, mud room, and other little-used areas? Close the vents and shut the doors. Why heat them if they aren't used frequently?
- Turn off the bathroom and kitchen fans once they’re done working. While they may be doing their job, they are also pulling costly heated and cooled air (as well as money) outside.
- Seal all outlets and light-switch covers with foam-based kits. Hardware stores sell special kits that are easy to install.
- Caulk doors and windows inside and out. Even small holes can cost big money. As an added benefit, caulking will also keep bugs and mice outside where they belong.
Energy Saving Through Home Improvement
- One often overlooked spot is attic or inside storage space. Insulate the hidden part of the door or opening (the part that faces the attic or storage area). Small changes can save money.
- Add insulation wherever necessary, particularly in the attic. Heat naturally rises, so insulation can prevent it from seeping out of the home.
- Leaking ducts are also a big energy waster. The air ducts, which supply the heating and cooling to the home, could be sending some of the air into walls. Have them checked, and seal the leaks.
- Blow in insultation is an easy and inexpensive way to insulate walls. Simply purchase the materials from a home improvement store, and the machine rental is often free. Most jobs can be completed in less than 24 hours.
- For safety reasons, everyone should regularly double check their fire detectors, and install carbon monoxide detectors. These small items save lives.
Copyright Donna Wallace. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
Donna Wallace - Donna Wallace is a freelance writer in Raleigh, NC. Wallace received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the ...
