Now more than ever, a penny saved is a penny earned. Homeowners everywhere are doing everything they can to reduce unnecessary energy costs at home by finding ways to reduce energy use and get better energy savings.
Start with energy-saving water and light fixtures. Look for Energy Starcertification on light bulbs and water faucet filters/regulators. The U.S. Government has several websites available for searching all Energy Star products [www.energystar.gov], as well as in-depth home energy savers tips and renewable energy resources.
Remember, if you are not spending time in a room, turn off the lights! Check all of your electrical sockets, is there something plugged in and not being used? Unplug it! Wherever possible try to condense electrical equipment into a power strip. So when nobody is around and there’s no need for electricity running through my TV, DVD player, computer, cell phone charger, or stereo, it only takes one flip of the switch and you’re saving money.
Check all windows from inside and outside, be sure there’s a tight seal of caulk around the window casing and trim. If you haven’t upgraded your windows and live in an older home with single pane windows, one word, weatherize. During winter, you can heat seal plastic onto the windows and use insulated curtains, as well.
Energy savings in the envelope of your home may require assistance from a contractor, but there are two things to remember, air flow and insulation. The U.S. Department of Energy states that heating and cooling systems account for approximately 56% of our home energy costs. Insulation protects your interior air temperature, and is mandatory code on all exterior walls for homes, but adding on an initial layer of spray foam will guarantee to seal all the cracks.
Also never neglect your ventilation system, have it cleaned and inspected twice a year and replace air filters monthly. Dirt, dust, mold and other contaminants are the enemy and will deplete your finances and health in the long run.
If you want more information about ways that you can achieve greater energy savings, contact us. We can help you start saving today!
T.F. O’Brien services the Long Island, New York area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about preventive maintenance and other HVAC topics, please download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.