Save $$$ this season with these energy conserving tips
Save money while heating your home this season! I found a great article in a special edition of Ventanas magazine, Home Improvement Ideas. Ventanas is a publication here in Las Cruces. The article I found is Slipping Through the Cracks, How to Maximize your Home’s Energy Efficiency by Anela Borrego. The article provides tips for making your home more energy efficient and saving money during our cooler seasons. Here they are:
1. Set back your thermostat 10 degrees when you are not home and again when you go to bed. You can save about 14% on your heating bill if you keep your thermostat at a lower temperature for 16 hours a day, according to Bill Pringle, the deputy director of American Council for an Energy Economy (ACEEE).
2. Remember to keep your fireplace damper shut tight. Since heat rises, an open damper is like a hole in your wall, letting the cold in and the heat out. It is also wise to remember to close off those seldom-used rooms, and don’t forget to shut the vents inside. No need to heat an unused space.
3. Be aware not to cover up any vents with furniture or rugs. Air needs to circulate, and any obstruction can disrupt the flow.
4. After a shower, or cooking at a hot stove, it is important to remember to turn off fans. Use other household fans sparingly, too.
5. Lower the temperature of water in your water heater from 120 to 115 degrees. It wont make a noticeable difference in hot water temperature, but you will save your heater from over working.
6. Allow the sun to help out. Open your shades and curtains on the South side and let the solar rays warm your living space. Keep the heat in by closing all curtains and shades at night.
7. Check the ductwork that moves heated air in your home. You could be losing 60% of your heat if they are poorly connected. Ductwork needs to be well insulated, as it moves through unheated spaces. Crawlspaces in your attic and basement that have ductwork disconnected and pipes that are pinched may need some repair to correct the impeded heat flow. The gaps can be easily fixed with tape, but do not use traditional duct tape because it will deteriorate. It is better to invest in aerosol sealant or metal tape. Where you can, wrap the duct’s exterior with special duct insulation. A professional may be needed to insulate ducts where there are electrical fixtures.
8. Small leaks can add up. Those gaps around windows and doors simply need to be plugged up in order to save at least an extra 10% on the heating bill. Exterior doors may need door sweeps to close that space under the door. To block those drafty windows, use rope caulk around the window frames. It works best if old caulking is removed. Weather-stripping is a must.
9. Electrical outlets in a home’s outer wall can allow unwanted cold air to enter. It can easily be remedied by installing outlet gaskets.
10. Windows need to be winterized. Storm windows are best, but if you can’t afford them this year, consider a plastic film, which will keep windows from rattling and will also curb drafts.
11. Convert to a water-efficient showerhead, better known as a low-flow showerhead, which helps save both on water and your power bill.
12. If you do not have a new water heater with the built in cover, it is advised to purchase an insulated jacket, and the exposed pipes should be wrapped as they run through unheated space.
13. Do not forget an air filter for your heating system. Replace or clean it out before that winter storm season hits.
I hope that you have found this information helpful and I look forward to your comments, questions, and suggestions. Just Click on the Comments hot link below this posting.
Your Las Cruces, E-pro Certified, Internet Professional,
Evelyn Bruder, REALTOR, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO
http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com
E-mail: evelyn@homeslascruces.com
CALL ME: 505-650-7224
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Steinborn GMAC Real Estate 522-3698
