How to make your home more energy efficient
Jan 28, 2016
In any time of year, you try to keep the outside temperatures from slipping inside so you’re not paying more than you should for your energy use. A tiny draft under a door or uninsulated pipes can add up to escalating electric bills.
Here are some simple steps you can take to make your home more energy efficient.
- Increase the insulation. Today’s insulation offers more heat flow resistance. Add new insulation in the ceiling, walls, and attic. Also, be sure your water heater and pipes are insulated to prevent leaks and bursts.
- Seal the air leaks. It might be time to replace the caulking or weather stripping around doors and windows. Look for cracks and tears that allow your heat to seep outside. Insert foam gaskets behind wall outlets and switches. Seal any cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings where plumbing, electricity, or ducts connect to the outside.
- Upgrade your windows. Replace single-pane windows with the energy-efficient double-pane or triple pane windows. The return on the investment is significant!
- Clean your vents. Clogged vents eat up energy. Remove built-up dust and debris from your dryer vents and air ducts, and replace the filters monthly.
- Close your fireplace damper. Prevent your warm air from going up the chimney. When you’re not using your fireplace, be sure the damper is tightly closed.
- Install a programmable thermostat. Why heat your home when you’re not there? A programmable thermostat allows you to control the interior temperature.
- Replace old appliances and fixtures. Retire the outdated energy-guzzlers and invest in more efficient units, like low-flow toilets and shower heads, and ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerators, freezers, washers, and dryers—and watch your electric bills drop!
Remember that the investment in energy efficiency pays off, not just in savings on your utility bills, but also in the comfort you experience and the resale value. To learn more about your energy efficiency in your home, talk to us at Johnson County Siding & Windows in Kansas City, a member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).
