Lower Your Heating and Cooling Bills

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Lower Your Heating and

Cooling Bills

While we

don't have control over the rise in fuel prices this winter, we do have control

over how much energy we use to heat and cool our homes. And saving energy

equals saving money. It's that simple!

Below is

information on the four most effective things you can do keep the energy you're

paying for inside your house where it belongs -- pay attention to your windows

and doors, apply caulk, insulate, and maintain your furnace. By the way, it

costs more to cool air one degree than it does to heat it one degree. So it's

even more important to cut your home's energy costs in the summer!

Pay

Attention to Your Doors and Windows

Doors and windows are where most energy is lost because they require about

1/8 " clearance around each frame in order to open and close smoothly. That

1/8 " really adds up -- for each window or door, the space for clearance

adds up to the size of one brick. The average house has anywhere from 12 to 20

doors and windows. So if you don't take steps to seal the space around your

windows and doors, you are fighting a hole equal to 12 to 20 bricks!

 

Install storm doors and windows

Installing storm doors and storm windows on older windows or opting for

newer, more energy efficient doors and windows is a good beginning. Don't

forget the basement windows -- plastic storm windows work well here since

you don't have to worry about impaired visibility.

Replace cracked or broken window glass.

This is obvious. If you need help, read 5 Steps to Replacing a Broken Window.

Install weather stripping.

Weather stripping is the finishing touch to fill the space around doors

and windows. There are many types; any of them will help save money.

 

 

 

Removable/reusable weather stripping: This

temporary sealer can be used if you can slip a dime between the window

and the sill.

Foam weather stripping (a self-adhesive insulator):

When the door is closed, it will compress the foam, filling the space and

preventing heated and cooled air from escaping.

V-seal (a self-adhesive insulator): V-seal is

flexible and will fill those gaps between door and frame. Make sure the

point of the " V " is headed back into the room.

Door sweeps: Attached to the bottom of a door.

Available in self-adhesive or with screws. The easiest kind to install is

the self-adhesive.

Plastic window insulating kit: Seals and stops

drafts from entering through the space around the window frame. Easy to

install, especially with the newer models that have tape attached to the

top -- you simply roll the pre-taped plastic across the top of the

window, cut it to size, and press into double-sided tape along the bottom

and sides. Use a hair dryer to shrink the plastic and eliminate any wrinkles.

 

Glazing compound (putty): Seals glass or plastic

panels in their frames in doors or windows to keep them from rattling.

 

 

Apply

Caulk

Caulking tiny cracks and crevices around a house can save hundreds of dollars

on heating and cooling bills. Just be sure to check package directions -- many

caulks need to be applied when the outside temperature is above 50 degrees.

Where

to caulk:

 

Around

plumbing pipes, gas pipes, electrical wiring, dryer vents, etc., where

they enter the house.

Caulk

joints anywhere two surfaces meet. Where bricks, chimney or trim meet the

siding. Around window and door frames.

 

Maintain

Your Furnace

A licensed professional should service your unit before each heating season.

However, it's never too late. Regular check-ups will keep a furnace running at

100 percent efficiency and will add years to the life of the appliance.

Also:

 

Clean

permanent furnace and air conditioning filters or replace disposable

filters monthly, or as recommended by the manufacturer of the filter. This

will also help extend the life of your appliance.

Close

off radiators or registers and close hoods to unused rooms to save on

heating and cooling.

Seal

and cover window air conditioners in winter months.

Have

furnace tested for combustion efficiency every two years.

 

Be

Sure Your Insulation Is Up to Snuff

Check with your local building department to see what the recommended

" R " value is for your part of the country and bring your home up to

these recommendations. Heat rises, so first place to check and add insulation

is in the attic. Also, install foam insulating gaskets under all exterior

electrical outlet and switch plates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goddess Bless!

GrannyMoon

 

http://GoddessSchool.com

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