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Energy savings: Getting the most for your money
With shorter days and longer nights, your lights and heating system come on earlier, so it is only natural that your energy bill increases this time of year. Don’t you wish there was something you could do? There is, and many of them don’t take much time, effort, or money. These tips are brought to you by the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, the nation’s largest home inspector trade association with over 7,000 members. If you’re buying a new home, make sure you get a professional home inspection by BC Warner Home Inspections.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs cost more initially but last a lot longer.
• Check your air filter monthly and clean or replace it if it is dirty. Dirty filters cause your heating and cooling system to work overtime, thereby wasting energy.
• Lower the thermostats on your water heater and on your heating and cooling system—For every degree you lower it, you can decrease your heating bill by about 2%. Don’t lower your water heater below the manufacturer’s recommended setting, though, typically marked on the thermostat.
• Make sure your doors and windows fit tightly and have weather stripping, including the door to the garage.
• Fix faucet leaks, especially hot water leaks, and if the leak is streaming instead of dripping.
• If you’re buying a new appliance, look for the “Energy Star,” which indicates that the appliance meets standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Install landscaping that does more than just look good. The right mix of trees and shrubs can lower your utility bills by blocking winter winds or summer sun. Check with your local nursery for guidance on selecting appropriate vegetation.
• Proper roofing material and adequate insulation (don’t forget the attic) are essential to saving money. While building codes typically dictate the minimum amount of insulation, a homeowner replacing a roof may choose a roof based on looks rather than energy efficiency. The Chicago-based National Roofing Contractors Association says that even in colder areas, people can benefit from lighter roof colors. The cooling season, although it’s shorter than the heating season, is often more expensive.
• Have a home energy audit done every couple of years. Many utility companies do these free. With the audit in hand, you’ll know exactly what you can do to save money on your utility bills.
Whether the energy-saving changes you’re prepared to make are big-ticket items (such as a roof, central heating and cooling, or an appliance), or inexpensive items such as changing light bulbs or getting a room heating or cooling system, be sure to check with your utility company for rebates. You might be surprised to see how rewarding energy efficiency can be in terms of savings and in terms of rebates from your utility company.
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