We’re headed into fall and hopefully we’ve seen the last of the 100 degree plus weather. However, considering how extreme our weather has been the past couple of years, we may have winter challenges to face in a few months.
As we settle into cooler temperatures, give some thought to being prepared with a home energy audit. Utility bills are increasing at an alarming rate; you can do your part to reduce your energy requirements.
First on the list is understanding your energy statements. These statements may seem rather boring, but they contain useful information (other than the bottom line of what you pay) to get your energy costs under control. Compare past years’ winter heating costs and look for wide variations of usage, month by month. This overview will give you an idea your financial outlay for this year’s energy use.
Check for air leaks and drafts, checklist and clipboard in hand. You’ll find leaks around ill-fitting doors and windows, gaps along baseboards and flooring, fireplaces and window mounted air conditioners. Some leaks, like window replacements, will have to be fixed by professionals, but you can purchase easy-to-use caulking kits to plug up leaks that will cost you a lot in energy bills.
Down in the basement, look at the insulation on your pipes and replace them if torn. Insulating pipes not only saves energy, but also helps prevent pipes freezing in the winter. Frozen pipes will drastically reduce your water flow and is costly to repair after the incident.
Heading up to the attic, check your insulation level and look for vapor barriers, which could include such material as tarpaper, Kraft paper or plastic sheeting. A vapor barrier reduces moisture and helps the insulation to work better. In older homes insulation was installed at the then current recommended amount. Because of higher energy usage now, you should consider increasing the amount of insulation.
It is just as Jermaine explains it, he is a toronto appliance repair specialist, apparently there are many every day energy fixes, such as using compact fluorescent bulbs, turning off lights when you leave a room, fixing drippy faucets and unplugging appliances when you aren’t using them. These every day fixes will help lower your utility bills in addition to your yearly energy audit fixes.
For more information on how to do an energy audit, and additional energy saving tips, request or download an energy savers booklet at the U. S. Department of Energy website.
Federal and state energy incentives are also available. Check them out here.