Energy Efficient Tips You Can Take To The Bank

You know that making your home energy efficient will save you money. You also know that it makes sense environmentally. But which of the hundreds of products and tips actually matter?

The number one item on your list should be your doors and windows. Most wasted energy is lost here. Adding weather stripping reduces the expense of heating or cooling your home. Weather stripping, either new or to replace existing stripping that has deteriorated, helps stop drafts. It will also help to reduce dust and allergen levels. If you absolutely, positively cannot handle weather stropping, at least try to block off as much of the draft as you can. Insulated or heavy drapes at the patio door and windows will help. So will using the bean-bag style draft "snakes" at the bottom of doors leading to the outside.

Replace standard bulbs with fluorescent ones. True, these are more expensive than the regular ones. However, they use less energy and last longer, so over time they will more than pay for themselves.

Most people keep their water heaters set at too high a temperature. In homes with young children it can be dangerous to have tap water delivered hot enough to scald them. There is seldom any need for it to be this hot, and it wastes money in two ways. First of all, energy is expended to heat water to an unnecessary degree. Then, since this water is too hot, cold water has to be used to make it possible to bathe or wash the hands.

Attic insulation may be inadequate, particularly in older homes. Advances in the insulation field means that products are available that can save you significantly over what was available even twenty years ago. Look not only at how much insulation you have but also the type and how well it works.

Install a timer on your thermostat. These can adjust the temperature when you are not home, such as during the workday or when you go on vacation. Then, at just the right time, the thermostat is adjusted again so that the temperature is comfortable when you return.

But your energy consumption habits are also important. Turn off the light when you leave the room or go out for the day. Run the dishwasher when it is full, and use the proper water level when washing small loads of clothes. Do not keep a deep freeze operating with only two or three items in it, since they are more inefficient when they are not full. Move or use the items. Few foods actually need you to preheat the oven, so eliminate that task unless preparing something that absolutely requires it. And adjust yourself rather than the thermostat if you are uncomfortable. If you are too cold, try donning a sweater or socks. If you are too hot, turn on a ceiling fan or stand fan for better cooling and circulation.

Making your home energy efficient will not only save you money, it will help save our natural resources.

If you are wanting more information and tactics on how to Make Your Home Energy Efficient, then you should read the authors ebook that is packed full of Energy Efficiency tactics.