What Homeowners Can Do to Save Money on Energy Costs

WHAT HOMEOWNERS CAN DO TO SAVE ON ENERGY COSTS As energy costs increase, many homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their energy consumption. The following are some tips that homeowners can do to cut and save on both energy costs and consumption. SAVING ENERGY ON DOORS Check for air leaks and caulk as an inexpensive way to seal them. Install weatherstripping around all outside doors. Consider installing a storm door to keep cold air out and warm air in. SAVING ENERGY ON WINDOWS Use high performance windows, screens and window films in your home. Open windows on nice days to conserve energy. High performance windows can cut back on the need to use your air conditioner. SAVING ENERGY ON HVAC In the cooler months, turn down the heat and set your thermostat at a lower temperature while you're sleeping. Replace filters regularly to keep your systems running effectively and efficiently. Consider having your air conditioning system checked in the spring and your heating system serviced in the early fall. SAVING ENERGY ON REFRIGERATORS Set your refrigerator temperature between 30 and 42 degrees. A full freezer uses less energy than an empty one, so try to keep it well stocked. If you feel cold air or moisture around your refrigerator door, you need to repair the door seals. Dust your refrigerator and keep the coils cleaned by using a vacuum or a duster. SAVING ENERGY ON APPLIANCES There are many appliances and electronics that use energy even when they are not in use. Unplug appliances when not in use. Use power strips to cut off the power to many appliances at once with the flip of a single switch. Look for the Energy Star ratings when purchasing new appliances. Many federal and state tax credits and rebates are available for replacing your old appliances with newer, more energy efficient ones. SAVING ENERGY ON LAUNDRY Wash full loads of clothing. If you need to wash less clothes in one load, adjust the water setting accordingly. Consider hanging your clothes to dry outside on a line when weather permits. Don't over dry your clothing. Not only is this hard on your fabrics, but it also uses unnecessary energy. Wash and dry several loads at a time, your dryer will still be warm when you change loads over and it will take less energy to heat it up. SAVING ENERGY ON COMPUTERS Consider purchasing a laptop if you are in the market. Laptops use less energy than regular desktop models. Set your computer to sleep mode instead of using a screen saver. This will help you to save on electricity when it's not in use. If you use battery chargers, make sure you unplug them once the batteries have a full charge. SAVING ENERGY ON LIGHTS Replace your incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent or CFLS. Replacing incandescent lights will greatly reduce the energy consumed to light your home. SAVING ENERGY IN THE ATTIC Make sure your attic is properly insulated. This will keep the house warmer in winter and cooler in the summer. Be sure that the attic has proper ventilation to allow for adequate and natural airflow. According to the US Department of Energy, you can save up to 30 percent on heating and cooling costs by being sure your home is properly insulated. Not only will an energy efficient home help keep you and your family more comfortable and save money, in the future if you should decide to sell your home, the improvements you have made will make it more attractive to potential buyers. www.SELLINGWARNERROBINS.COM COLDWELL BANKER O (478) 960-8055 (C) / (478) 953-8595 x227 (0) www.COLDWELLBANKERSSK.COM SSK, REALTORS ©ANITA CLARK Source: http://sellingwarnerrobins.com/2014/10/what-can-homeowners-do-to-save-on-energy-costs/