There seems to be a concerted effort by utility companies to reduce possible backlash about winter’s high electric bills by encouraging their customers to limit consumption. Think about that statement. Common sense tells us that if you conserve, you’ll save. The key in the winter is that you want to stay warm, right? Credit for intelligence notwithstanding, let’s look at some realistic ways to conserve costs for homeowners. Perhaps a gem of wisdom will emerge from this list.
You can do several things to reduce costs. You can lower your thermostat, thereby lowering your energy consumption and cost, or you can make simple, non-radical changes that help your home conserve. That means keeping the heat inside in the winter, and keeping as much heat outside in the summer, as possible.
David Wilson, an Engineer who lives in Nashville Metro, reports around a 30% saving in his utility bills by utilizing what is called a “ridge vent” in the roof design when the roof was changed out several years ago. It looks like an opening, right at the peak of the roof---and functions that way, too. It allows hot air, which naturally rises in the attic area, to leave the attic, lowering the attic temperature by several degrees—allowing the cooling inside to work better in the summer. Installing attic fans in the gables of homes at a cost of about $200 each can recoup that much in cooling savings in less than one warmer-than-average summer. Thermostatically controlled, you’ll probably never even know they are running---but they will work around the clock to reduce heat build up within the house’s envelope. Purchasing less than $100 of all weather caulking and re-caulking your doors and windows can recoup that much in savings in less than one winter.
Planning on replacing any windows? Look at some of the newer, more technologically advanced multiple pane windows that will minimize heat loss. $189.00 installed for a standard window. High R-Factors, which means great insulating ability. Just watch for sale flyers in your local newspaper.
Need a new water heater? How about one of the new instant on hot water heaters? Water doesn’t sit in a tank and go through a heat/cool/reheat cycle. As a matter of fact, there’s no tank---making this option a logical choice for any type of replacement heater currently located at a distance from where the waterline enters your home.
Don’t forget how much money you can save with a simple change out of the light bulbs in your home. Replacing those old incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs saves money in energy, it saves you money because they last longer, and it enhances a lot of décor. Pick your color choices---cool, warm, or even “sunshine” images. As these bulbs become more and more mainstream, expect more and more choices in lighting types. Currently, some bulbs start out seemingly darker, but increase in brightness and intensity over time.
All of these suggestions are low cost ways to simply save money. Less money spent in home maintenance equals more money in your pocket for you--- as the homeowner.
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