Special offer

7 Easy Steps to an Energy Efficient Home

Reblogger
Real Estate Agent with HER Realtors

Furnace Friday - 7 Easy Steps to an Energy Efficient Home - home maintenance and home improvement ideas!

It's Friday... and it's cold in Central Ohio.  It got down almost to 20° last night in northern Franklin County from what I saw on the thermometer when I let the dog out in the wee hours of the night. 

Every Friday is furnace Friday on Discover Columbus OH, I try to find something about furnaces to share, or HVAC. This week let me share 7 Steps to an Engergy Efficient Home, a Re-Blog from David Artigliere, a home inspector.  Don't look but I missed Furnace Friday last week.  I realized on Saturday and there are only so many things you can say to make up on Space Heater Saturday.  

The first Friday of each month is Furnace Filter Friday on this site, a reminder to change your filter regularly, monthly if that works.  That's between you and your furnace and maybe the furnace guy.  Furnace Filter Friday in November 2011 Furnace Filter Sucking Wind

Furnace Filter Friday 2011:

It's Furnace Filter Friday Somewhere

September in Columbus: it's going to be 96 degrees

The Dirt on Expensive Filters - August 2011

Furnace Filter Friday - July 2011

How to use air conditioning efficiently - June 2011

Friday May 6, 2011

The origins of the modern furnace - April 2011

Seasonal Maintenance - March 2011

Just a Reminder - February 2011

I Almost Forgot - January 2011

I wonder if the "Digital Cycling Unit" is available here in Columbus. 

Thanks to David Artigliere  with ARTI Home Inspections LLC,  a home inspector in Pennsylvannia for allowing his post originally titled '7 Easy Ways to Make your Home Energy Efficient'  and without further ado....  7 Easy Steps to an Energy Efficient Home:

 

Original content by David Artigliere

7 Easy Ways to Make your Home Energy Efficient

 

home in snow

The winter is upon us here in Collegeville, PA and I've found my home inspection clients asking more questions about making their new homes more energy efficient.


There are many ways to do this and I picked a handful of things you can do right now that won't cost you a lot of money or time.  Here is a table I put together of
7 Easy Ways to Make you Home Energy Efficient followed by a brief description of each item:

 

 

 

 

Cost

Cost Savings
Outlet Gaskets ~$30 ~$80 per year*
Digital Cycling Unit $0 $180 per year
Weather-stripping ~$50 ~$150 per year*
Programmable thermostat ~$100 ~$180 per year*
Lower thermostat at Water Heater $0 ~$50 per year*
Insulate & Seal Ducts ~$50 ~$50 per year*
Service heating/cooling system ~$200 ~$250 per year*

*Cost savings calculated on a 1800 sq ft home and depends on the home's current insulation values and comfort level of occupants.

 

Outlet gaskets:  The outlet gaskets should be installed on every outlet and switch on an exterior wall.  This will help reduce one of the largest areas of draft.  The gaskets can significantly reduce draft in older houses.  You can find these at your local hardware store.


Digital cycling unit:  This is installed by the electric company usually at no cost to the home owner.  PECO offers a $30 credit every month during cooling season.  The cycling unit will shut off the condensing unit (outdoor unit) for 15 minutes every half hour during “peak” summer afternoons.  The conservation event usually happens on hot, weekday afternoons and will last about 4-6 hours.

 

Weather-stripping:  Weather-stripping can be added at any door or window opening where there is a gap that can cause a draft.  One of the most overlooked openings is the attic hatch/door.  You can weather-strip and insulate the door or purchase a pre-made attic cover. Weather-stripping can significantly reduce draft in older homes. 


Programmable thermostat:  A programmable thermostat is usually easy to install and can save money by lowering (or raising) the temperature on the thermostat when no one is home.  It's a common misperception that it takes more energy to heat up (or cool off) a house than it takes to keep it warm all the time.


Lower water heater thermostat:  The thermostat at the water heater should be set no higher than 120 degrees.  If the thermostat needs to be set higher for comfort, the water heater may be too small or nearing the end of its expected lifespan.


Insulate Ducts:  Look for holes, tears, and other signs of leaking ducts and seal them using mastic or metal (foil) tape (never use 'duct tape,' as it is not long-lasting). Insulate all the ducts you can access (such as those in the attic, crawlspace, unfinished basement, or garage).


Service heating/cooling system:  Dirt and neglect are the top causes of heating and cooling system inefficiency and failure. It’s important to change your system’s air filter regularly and have routine maintenance performed by a qualified technician. 

 

home inspector


David Artigliere with ARTI Home Inspections LLC is a home inspector in and around Norristown, Pottstown, Reading & Surrounding. 

He offers home inspections 7 days a week and can be contacted by calling (610) 220-1907 or visiting www.artihomeinspections.com

 

Posted by

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


This post provided by Maureen McCabe HER Realtors*

Contact Maureen McCabe of HER Realtors* - 614.388.8249

HER Realtors  Maureen McCabe

Search Columbus mls

email: MaureenatMaureenMcCabe.com  at = @

*Real Living HER

Information is deemed to be accurate but should be verified to your satisfaction.  Information provided herein is supplied by several sources and is subject to change without notice.  Opinions expressed are solely those of Maureen McCabe.

 


 

Comments (4)

Peggy Chirico
Prudential CT Realty - Manchester, CT
REALTOR® 860-748-8900, Hartford & Tolland County Real Estate

Thanks for reblogging this, Maureen.  I had missed it and winter is upon us!

Nov 18, 2011 12:51 AM
Maureen McCabe
HER Realtors - Columbus, OH
Columbus Ohio Real Estate

Thanks Peggy,  Winter or at least  cold weather is very suddenly upon us here, but I understand we are going to be warmer the next few days again.  I am dreading the snow this year.  You already had a taste of that in CT at the end of October?  I saw from another post on  David's blog that he and his wife lost power too.  We were so lucky in Central Ohio to be west of that storm.  

 

Nov 18, 2011 01:20 AM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Twenty last night...wow! And this morning I debated weather a light sweat shirt or short sleeves when I walked my dog at 6:a.m. - short sleeves as 62 was not really cold I guess!

Nov 18, 2011 05:41 AM
Maureen McCabe
HER Realtors - Columbus, OH
Columbus Ohio Real Estate

Wimpy, wimpy, wimpy....

I went to an event last night and just wore a heavy sweater.  In the car later I heard it was about 32 degrees.... plus whatever  the windchill was.   I parked behind our office and cut through the office and I just about froze crossing High Street.  32° will feel balmy in a couple of months. 

Energy saving works year round though...   

Nov 18, 2011 06:48 AM