Winter Is Not Over Yet – Still Time To Save On Energy Bills

Cold weather makes you think of higher energy bills associated with home heating. Whether you rent or own, there are things you can do that will pay off over time.

MONEY-SAVING TIPS FOR EVERYONE

Change your furnace filter. A dirty furnace filter makes a less efficient furnace that takes longer to heat your house, which increases your energy bill.

Replace bulbs with compact fluorescents. Approximately 20% of your energy bill comes from lighting, according to the U.S. Government’s Energy Star website. A compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) uses about 75% less energy than an incandescent bulb. CFL bulbs can help compensate for increased energy usage in winter when you use lights more often.

MONEY-SAVING TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS

Little things mean a lot

Get a home energy audit. Some utility companies offer this service free, or go to the Energy Star website for the Home Energy Yardstick to do a self audit. The Yardstick compares your energy use to similar households nationwide and recommends ways to improve energy usage.

Add weather stripping. This keeps out drafts and reduces heater use. Everything needed to do it yourself is available at most home improvement stores.

Add attic insulation. If your current insulation does not cover your floor joists, more insulation may be needed to keep heat from escaping through the roof. Be sure to check the R-value, which measures the insulation’s performance. Be sure to seek basic guidance from a home improvement store or a reliable book if you decide to install it yourself.

Purchase a digital, programmable thermostat. It can save money by automatically reducing home heat usage when it’s not needed as much, such as when you are sleeping or away from your home.

Check ducts for leaks. A forced air heating system distributes air through ducts. Poorly connected or insufficiently insulated ducts allow heat to leak out, wasting money. In some cases you can seal ducts yourself, but for ducts located in areas not easily accessible it is best to hire a professional.

Furnace and window replacement – two larger purchases with long-term benefits
Love your home and plan to stay in it for the long term? Here are two purchases that pay for themselves in the long term:

Replace furnace with an energy-efficient one. If your furnace is more than 10 years old it may not be efficient, driving up your monthly heating bills. The up-front cost of an Energy Star certified model pays off over time through decreased heating bills. Before purchasing, see if your utility company will help defray the cost of a qualifying model.

Purchase new windows and doors.
According to the ENERGY STAR Windows program, an average household spends over 40 percent of its annual energy budget on heating and cooling costs. Household energy costs in most U.S. homes could be reduced by up to 15 percent by installing more energy-efficient windows.

According to a Remodeling Magazine survey, window replacement was the top value remodeling project in 2006. It surpassed kitchen and bath remodels with respect to the cost recouped by owners, 89 percent.

Because windows last for decades, the National Fenestration Rating Council http://www.nfrc.org/ encourages you to make sure you have a good warranty from a company that’s going to stick around to back it up.

Conclusion
When considering energy-related home improvements, be sure to make a cost versus savings analysis. To make the biggest impact on energy and money savings, prioritize and start at the top of your list.

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