As the colder weather season continues to approach homeowners should employ the following cost-effective ways to make their homes more energy-efficient while better managing energy bills year-round.
-Have home heating systems cleaned and inspected by a professional each year to ensure safety and optimum efficiency. Be sure to change the filter prior to the heating season, and check its condition monthly.
-Inspect the caulking and weather-stripping around all windows, doors and any openings for utility services. Replace caulking and weather-stripping as necessary. A drafty house lets warm air escape and is much more costly to keep warm.
-Remove window air conditioners if possible, or install an air conditioner cover to eliminate drafts.
-Keep fireplace dampers closed tightly when not in use.
-Reverse the rotation of ceiling fan blades. During the winter, blades should spin so the warm air that has risen can be re-distributed around the room.
-Switch to more energy-efficient lighting, such as CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs), which use about 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.
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