Ways to Save Energy in Your Home

May 3, 2007 By Matthew Paulson

A lot of us have very reasonable utility bills that we have no problem paying. They’re usually between $50 and $100 a month, and just think of them as part of the cost of owning a home or renting an apartment. It might not seem like a lot, but the cost of residential energy isn’t going to go down anytime soon. As we increase our consumption of energy and our supply of oil dwindles, the cost are going to naturally increase. We should start making some basic conservation tips now so that we can have more money in our wallets, and lend a helping hand to the environment. Here are some tips from Energy Star that will allow you to reduce your home energy consumption.

Tune Up Your Heating System - “Proper maintenance of your heating system is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent problems and ensure that your system is running efficiently. Keep your heating system at peak performance by replacing your air filter once a month and having a contractor do annual pre-season check–ups on your equipment.”

Seal Up Your Home - “Hidden gaps and cracks in a home can add up to as much airflow as an open window, causing your system to work harder and your energy bills to be higher. EPA recommends a process called Energy Star Home Sealing which can improve your home “envelope” – outer walls, ceiling, windows and floors. By sealing air leaks, adding insulation and choosing Energy Star qualified windows if replacing them, you can save up to 10 percent in energy costs. Learn more about Home Sealing and your home’s envelope by visiting www.energystar.gov and clicking on Home Sealing. There you can view “A DIY Guide to Energy Star Home Sealing” for step-by-step instructions for sealing air leaks and adding insulation.”

Use a Programmable Thermostat – “Use a programmable thermostat to regulate your home’s temperature when you’re home or away. They are more convenient and accurate than manual thermostats, contain no mercury, are better for the environment because they use less energy, and through proper use, they can save you about $100 per year in energy costs. You must select the Energy Star default settings that are shipped with your programmable thermostat to realize the energy and cost savings. If temperature settings are left in override or hold modes, energy savings are lost. Learn more about programmable thermostats by visiting http://www.energystar.gov/.”

Learn more - Get a free copy of the Guide to Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling on Energy Star Web site at www.energystar.gov/hvacguide.

Posted in real estate, saving money

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