Energy Bills are going UP!
This past weekend I did my fall review to save energy.
I am like everyone else. I don't have enough time or commitment to do things when I should when it comes to my own home. Sure I do basics, like turn off the lights, when my wife is still in the room (she always says something when this happens :-). Make sure the water is not dripping from my faucets. Faucet leaks can drive up water bills and water heater bills if it is the hotwater faucet leaking.
I check the obvious spots that can make the fastest impact on my heat bills. I checked my doors for leaks around the seals. This is always a key spot for leaks. I found some again this year. Foam strips with peel off adhesive backing that allows for quick and easy installation to stop door seal leaks.
Windows, even if you rent and pay the heat windows can be a huge money saver. Check each window for leaks.
If you have single pane windows install the clear plastic. It is easy. Anyone can do this installation. Follow the directions on the package. Most can be installed from the inside. It takes a few minutes per window. two people is better than one but one person can do the installation. This can have significant impact on your heating costs and keep you warmer at the same time. Double pane windows can have leaks around the handles, frames with gaps providing a cold air pathway.
Dialing down a few degrees and adding a layer of clothing is another easy way to lower your costs.
Lighting may not seem like a big deal until the electric bill comes. As lights have burned out we have replaced ours with a energy saver bulb. In key places where more light is needed I have been able to jump up wattage output while lowering my consumption at the same time.
If you have one the old toilets, they use a huge amount of water every time they are flushed. Add a brick inside the tank. This reduces the amount of water the tank holds and lowers your water consumption without hurting the function of the toilet. Make sure you do not get in the way of the flapper or ballcock.
Basic insulation will help but one area that can really help is placing insulation around the foundation on the inside of your home, where the walls meet the foundation. This area is one that is often overlooked. It is a low cost fix. Use appropriate precautions for handling insulation. These area can cause drafts on the floor, cool your delivery ductwork so the heat from your furnace is not a warm as it should be by the time it arrives to the rooms it is supposed to heat.
We have a rather large home, our heating and cooling cost are lower than others with homes half our square footage. The main reason is looking for ways to reduce energy consumption with common sense methods that don't cost an arm and a leg. Control the costs you can control.
These are all low cost common sense issues you can address to lower your energy costs. Add to your own list of energy saving methods.
Email me for a link to a "FREE" comprehensive list. Free Energy List
We also offer common Sense home selling options.
Call: 616-784-2360
Email: GaryWhite@FlexitRealty.com
Website: www.FlexitRealty.com
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