It's February and it's chilly here in Washington - 28 degrees as I write this! (Okay, not as cold as Minnesota or anything, but still cold!) A lot of energy is used during the winter months and a lot is wasted due to inefficiency. This series has covered things you can do to conserve energy today, this week, this month, and now culminates with things you can do this year. Today's tips are more involved and more costly than the previous lists but with some planning and budgeting you can conserve energy and reduce your bills.
To do this year:
- Have insulation blown into uninsulated walls. Many vintage home have little to no insulation which can make the inside feel surprisingly like the outside! Homes of ANY age will have areas of light or spotty insulation that could be beefed up. Have an energy audit (free through many utility companies) done to find where you're losing heat.
- Replace old, inefficient appliances. There are often rebate incentives on EnergyStar qualified models and you can have your old appliances recycled, often free of charge. Also, remember that a well-stocked fridge and freezer operates much more efficiently than a nearly empty one so purchase the size that is right for your family.
- Upgrade drafty windows. This is a costly investment but the increased efficiency of new windows will cut your energy bills and make you more comfortable to boot. If you can't afford to do them all at once, start with your draftiest ones and go from there.
- Check for rebate and tax incentives. Some home improvements done for the sake of efficiency qualify for tax breaks, rebates, low interest loans, subsidies, etc. Check for programs that are available in your area by looking online or contacting your electric and gas company.
Not a do-it-yourselfer? We work with great vendors and can refer you to someone you can trust for your home improvements. Just call the JMC Group at 360-609-6775 or visit the "Contact Us" page at www.MyRealtorIsJamie.com. We are here to help!
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