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Does the Cost of Heating Your Home Steam You Up?
Based on figures from the U.S. Department of Energy, the average American family spends up to $1,800.00 a year on utilities. There are always ways to achieve substantial savings on our utilities by purchasing the newest, most efficient appliances and heaters, however the up-front costs are often prohibitive, and it's difficult to be sure that long-term reductions in your utility bills would be worth it.
The good news is that there are many ways to take charge of your families' personal climate control costs. Here are some ideas that, for a reasonable initial fee, can help you reduce the amount you pay each year for your various utilities.
Do an Energy-use Audit
In many communities, utilities companies provide this service for free, or for a nominal fee. They test your home to identify the areas of greatest heating/cooling loss, evaluate your past utilities bills, and perhaps estimate how long it would take you to recoup the cost of upgrades to your home.
Install Extra Insulation
This can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be, especially considering that attics, basements/crawl spaces, and the areas around utility pipes can be some of the biggest heat drains in your home. These areas are usually out of daily sight, so the insulation job you do doesn't have to be attractive, it just has to be efficient.
Seal Off Gaps
Weather stripping, heat-safe tape, and caulk are all relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Use them to seal off leaks to the outside of your home. Two things to pay attention to in your mission to mind your gaps: 1) The Department of Energy estimates that only 10% of air loss in a typical house comes from windows, whereas 15% comes from ducts and 13% comes from plumbing leading outside or to other un-insulated areas. 2) Ducts can be particularly tricky critters to work with, and sealing or insulating them improperly can be perilous. Be certain that you know what you're doing, or consult with someone who does, before you begin the task.
Install Door Sweeps
Installing small, insulating door sweeps on the bottom of your doors can help keep heating zones from leaking into one another. These door sweeps, which are easy to install, cost only $5-$10 dollars each, and can really cut down on air leakage.
Get a Programmable Thermostat and Use it
In the winter, set the thermostat at least 5 degrees lower while you're away at work, and after bedtime. Close off the rooms and vents for any areas that are not in use. During a/c season, simply reverse the theory.
Insulate Your Water Heater
First, check the owner's manual to see if it's safe to add an insulating cover to your water heater. Then dash off to The Handy Manny Store of your choice, where you will find these sleeves cost between 20-$30. Also, make certain the pipes leading from your heater to the wall are insulated. If they're not, simple pipe insulation, again available at most hardware stores, can be accomplished by nearly any handy person.
Turn Down your Water Heater
If your water heater is set at 140 degrees or above, try lowering it to 120.
Install a Low Flush Toilet
Install or replicate a low flush toilet by putting a clean brick into the tank. This displaces water so that less is when you flush.
This web page has some fun tips and games for your children, who once they are on the energy saving bandwagon, will be turning off the lights while you are still in the room!
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