Energy Saving Tips for Your Home

Rising energy costs are a fact of life these days, and many people are feeling the pinch. What can you do to help minimize the amount of energy your home consumes and lighten the load financially?

Purchase a programmable thermostat. The initial investment you make in this piece of technology will pay off big time. You can set this type of thermostat to adjust the temperature at different times of day, so you won't waste energy during the hours family members are away from home.
Weatherproof windows and doors. Spring metal, vinyl, felt, and self-adhesive foam are the materials typically used for weatherproofing. In an older home, consider replacing dilapidated windows with new ones that are designed to resist heat loss and gain. Doors can also be weather-stripped and sealed at little cost, and rubber or metal sweeps and threshold locks are a great solution to cover bottom-area gaps that are a particular problem with doors.
Garage doors. This part of the house is often overlooked when it comes to weatherproofing. But garage doors made of flimsy metal or warped wood are notorious for losing heat, especially when there is a lot of wind. Consider purchasing heavier garage doors constructed of well-insulated wood or fiberglass.

Insulation. Lack of adequate insulation can send energy prices soaring. Have a professional install blown-in insulation and insulate basement walls and crawl spaces to cut up to 30% off your energy bill. It's also important to insulate interior spaces, such as pipes, heating and ventilation ducts, and electrical outlets.

Basic upkeep. Change furnace filters every few months and have your chimney swept annually. Another way to make your fireplace more efficient is to choose a natural gas fireplace in lieu of wood-burning models.

Beat the summer heat. Keep your filters clean and A/C in good working condition are the top choices if you want to keep your house cool. Also, whole house fans and attic fans are a good solution, as well as planting shade trees around your property to keep the sun's rays at bay.

Saving money on your energy bill doesn't have to be complicated, as long as you follow these simple rules for running your home like a well-oiled machine.

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