Tips For Easing Energy Bills
February 1, 2010 by Evans D. Smith
Filed under Home Family
A home\’s points of entry can become a fast exit for energy and finish up costing a good sum on household bills. To preclude being scammed by windows, doors and the garage, home energy gurus suggest making one or two straightforward alterations.
Seal The Envelope Before Sending the Bill
Homeowners should seal windows and doors \”like an envelope\” -or otherwise risk air-conditioning the entire neighborhood. In fact, it\’s estimated a full 50 percent of annual utility costs stem from homes\’ heating and cooling systems. To check that doors and windows aren\’t drafty, look for light under or around the door and condensation around the windowpane, which is an indication of cooling loss. Also, check the attic to make sure it\’s properly insulated and not letting air escape.
Quick Tips:
1 Install thick, durable weather-stripping under your garage door to reduce this common energy leak. Polyurethane insulation or fiberglass channel wrap are both good options.
2 Weather-strip and caulk all cracks between the wall and the window trim. Replace broken glass and putty any loose window- panes to help secure the windows for harsh wind.
3 An inexpensive solution to drafty windows is the Shrink & Seal Window Kit, available at Lowe\’s stores and lowes.com. It fits standard windows and is installed with a hair dryer that literally shrinks and seals a crystal-clear film over the window.
4 Upgrade that old fridge to the sole ENERGY STAR-qualified fridge devised in particular for the garage : Gladiator GarageWorks\’ Chillerator, by Whirlpool Company . It\’s fifteen p.c more energy efficient than current Fed. energy standards, saving a standard of $487 in energy costs over its lifespan.
\”One of the most simple methods to save on resources is to make smart appliance upgrade decisions,\” announced Richard Karney, Chief of Energy Star at the Dept of Energy ( DOE ). \”Most people can\’t imagine the energy drain related to older appliances.\” ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances are a part of a joint program of the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) and DOE to help purchasers save cash and the environment.
According to a survey by Whirlpool, 42 percent of Americans have an old refrigerator in the garage. Studies show that a 10- to 15-year-old refrigerator costs an average of $82 more a year in utilities compared to an ENERGY STAR-qualified refrigerator purchased today.
That is what I can tell you about Solar Energy Kits, there is more in-depth knowledge at Best DIY Solar Power House Guide.
Related Blogs
- Related Blogs on Home Family
- Sweet Home Theater Setups – The Ervin Family Home Theater
- HOME GIFTZ » Blog Archive » Top 10 Family Issues to Deal With For …
- A Degreaser Cleaner Can Keep Your Home Clean and Your Family Safe …
- Record Christmas home videos and burn gift DVD to share with family