ENERGY SAVING TIPS

Energy Saving Tips. Everyone could use some of them. I know I could. I live in an 1896 built home and every month I spend $500 on gas and electric. Yikes! I would love to get that lowered to around $300, that leaves $200 for me to spend on other important things, like shopping or going out to eat. Anyways, the reason that my house has these high costs is because it is so old and has poor insulation. While researching online for tips for myself to put more money in my pocket at the end of the month, here is what I came up with:

• Space heating and cooling accounts for about 45 percent of your utility bill and offers the greatest opportunity to improve energy efficiency.
• Adjust the thermostat in small degree changes - your home won't heat or cool faster by cranking it up.
• An easy energy saving tip is to install a programmable thermostat that will automatically adjust the temperature according to your schedule. It'll pay for itself in less than a year.
• Changing the furnace filter every month is a good energy saving tip.
• Keep furniture and drapes away from the HVAC air supply and return air ducts to increase the energy efficiency of your system.
• Be sure the air conditioner is fully charged with freon so it operates efficiently.
• When installing a new furnace, check the energy rating and choose a high-efficiency unit for maximum energy savings. This energy saving tip will pay for itself in about 7 years.
• When buying an air conditioner, don't over-size it. Select the proper size and choose an energy-efficient model.
• During the winter, remove window air conditioners and seal the windows with caulk and weather stripping.
• Ceiling fans are more energy efficient at circulating the air than turning on the main furnace fan.
• Install a whole-house fan in the attic to draw hot air out of the house. INSULATION & CAULKING
• More than half of the energy used for heating is lost through uninsulated walls, floors, ceilings and attics.
• Adding additional insulation to the ceilings, walls and floors of your home is one of the most effective energy saving tips. It traps heat inside during the winter and keeps heat outside during the summer.
• Caulking and weather stripping your doors and windows is an efficient energy saving tip.
• Caulk and seal air leaks where plumbing, ducts or electrical wires penetrate the exterior walls, floors and ceilings.
• Install the ready-made foam insulating pads inside your receptacle and switch plate covers to keep out the winter cold and summer heat.
• Seal cracks in your basement walls and floor to keep heat in and cold air out.