Home Energy Efficiency -
Many Ways To Save Money

Caulk

To reach a level of desirable home energy efficiency, caulk around windows, doorjambs, hose bibs, siding junctures or any other place where there can be air infiltration.

Pay attention to where the siding laps over the footing or foundation. Also seal any cracks in the foundation.

Seal all areas with a suitable material. Air flowing into your home from these hidden areas is your worst home energy savings enemy. Try to seal up your home as tight as possible for overall comfort and savings on your utility bills. All of these steps make for home energy efficiency.

Tree Buffer

Locate deciduous trees such that your home will be shaded from the eastern, southern and western sun during the summer months. This will reduce the load placed on the air conditioning system.

Trees and shrubs placed in just the right spot can help deflect wind that is impacting your home in the winter. Trees placed of the north side of your home will offer a nice buffer to divert the cold winter winds.

In addition, studies have been conducted that have shown the benefit of also placing trees on the east and west side. Properly placed trees can cut your fuel consumption by as much as 40%.

Also make sure to install shrubs or trees to shade your AC unit(s). This will reduce the load on this equipment and will have you saving electricity in no time. Window awnings also work well to block the sun and maximize you home energy efficiency as well.

Passive Solar

Open your window treatments on sunny days during the winter to enjoy bright and free home made energy. The solar energy facts are easy to understand. The sun will naturally heat your home.

The downside is that the suns rays can fade your furniture and flooring material if you don't have Low-E glass as featured on newer windows. Conversely, in the summer, keep your window treatments drawn for the most part to block the sun from entering.

Appliances

Replace old appliances with those that are Energy Star appliances. Energy ratings are generally displayed right on the appliances. Appliances have two prices; the price that you pay for the unit and the cost to operate them over their life. Consider both before making a purchase.

Doing some research will be worth your time. If you pay a little more for an appliance that has a high-energy rating and it last you 12 to 15 years, you should easily recoup the extra money money in the long run.

It is advisable to look at available publications that compare appliances and then determine who carries the appliance you like and do some comparison-shopping. This is one of the best ways to save money.

Lawn Irrigation

Have your lawn irrigation set up to water your lawn early in the morning. Depending on the climate you live in your lawn will require about one hour of water a month. Cut the lawn to 3” in height and try to conserve water.

The taller grass holds the water in for longer periods of time. If the grass is depressed with you hand or foot and springs back, it has enough water.

Garden Drip Lines

Install lawn irrigation drip lines for your plants. This amounts to below mulch drip hoses coiled back and forth the length and width of your garden and is connected to a water timer.

The timer goes on and off per you’re setting and maintain a level of moisture to keep your plants healthy. This method gets the job done and conserves water.

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