Fred Harteis News Article - With energy costs on the rise, it's never been a better time to make your home more efficient. Here are some tips to cut energy costs without spending a fortune.
1. Install a clock thermostat: Installing a clock thermostat and programming it to reduce the household temperature overnight and while you're away can reduce heating costs by as much as 10 percent.
2. Insulate your water heater: Adding an inexpensive water heater jacket can keep heat from escaping. They're easy to install, and can save hundreds of dollars on energy bills over the life of the heater.
3. Add more insulation: Proper attic insulation -- at least 12 inches of the batt or blown types between attic rafters -- helps to reduce heating needs by up to 30 percent. Also make sure that the attic is well-ventilated, as even slightly damp insulation can lose as much as one third of its ability to insulate.
4. Keep filters clean: Replace your furnace's filter before the heating season begins and thereafter as recommended by the filter manufacturer. A dirty filter will reduce airflow, which makes your system work that much harder to deliver warmth where it's needed. Better yet, invest in a whole-house air cleaner that requires only annual maintenance.
5. Get your ducts in a row: Sealing heating ducts that rob you of precious warm air is a great way to cut costs. But don't use "duct tape" as it dries out, falls off and just doesn't work! Instead, use either foil-backed tape made for this purpose (rated "UL 181") or duct mastic.
6. Reduce drafts:Weather-strip or caulk around windows, doors, outlets and light switches from the inside to prevent warm air from escaping.
7. Strategic shades: Keep draperies and shades on south-facing windows open during the heating season to allow sunlight to enter your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows. In summer, keep them closed during the day to reduce solar heat gain.
8. Smart lighting: Home lighting can dim your finances, as it accounts for about ten percent of your electric bill. Move to lower bulb wattages where you can, and select long-lasting compact fluorescent bulbs for further savings.
9. Power down: Add a power strip to completely shut down stereo systems and computers when not in use, as most models continue to draw energy even when idle.
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About Fred Harteis: Fred Harteis leads Harteis International. Fred Harteis has a background in agriculture and has created many successful business ventures.