Sunday, 5 October 2008

Modify your home to lower energy bills

Add the proper insulation. Upgrading the insulation in your attic to at least an R-38 or as high as an R-49 level is one of the most cost-effective things you can do to make your home energy efficient. If your budget is squeaky tight, ceiling insulation is most important. Remember, heat rises.

Install a programmable thermostat. We have all forgotten to turn down the heat or turn up the air conditioning before we go to bed or leave for work.

Turn down the temperature on your water heater. This simple tip can not only save you money, it can decrease your potential for being scalded with hot water when taking a shower or even washing your hands.

Wash clothes in cold water. Many of today's detergents do a great job of cleaning your clothes in cold water, and can even get out those grass and dirt stains.

Seal leaky windows and doors. One of the cheapest ways to improve your heating and cooling efficiency is to seal leaks around your home's doors and windows. Use a high-end silicone or adhesive caulk.

Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. These bulbs are all the rage now and use one-third the electricity versus incandescent bulbs, yet last up to 13 times longer and produce less heat. Look for K6500. Its light is bright white.

Add roof ventilation. Attics require soffit venting and ridge or pot vents.

Add ceiling fans in every room. Ceiling fans are a great way to help you make a home more comfortable and use less energy. During the summer, ceiling fans move the air to improve the air-flow, and in the winter a fan set at slow speed can push warm air away from the ceiling and spread the heat evenly in a room. Ceiling fans are also attractive and can improve your decor.
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