Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Think Green & Beat the Winter Blues!
It's going to be another cold, hard winter. Many of us heat our homes with gas and/or fuel oil and are wondering what to expect from the cost of staying warm this winter. A little forethought can save hundreds and what used to be a list of small savings ideas, are now paying off much more quickly as fuel costs reach record highs. If you're thinking of upgrading your home in the name of energy efficiency, keeping these tips in mind will help you pay attention to energy efficient qualities of your home.
Here's a short list of things to think about to save some green this winter:
Heat goes out in the winter the same way it came in during the summer, through your windows and doors. Take your air conditioner out in the early fall. (I know, sounds simple, but you'd be surprised how many people leave them in, wrap them up with a plastic bag and let heat seep out around them all winter long). Also, take your screens out and install your storm windows for that extra layer of retention.
If your windows are old and drafty, get an estimate to replace them. Information is power and most window replacement companies are happy to provide you with a free estimate. Thus armed, you can take a look at last years heating bills and using a low estimate of about 20%, figure out your savings (don't forget, you'll save 20% of this years high fuel costs so inflate your last years numbers accordingly). New windows are a great investment that actually raise the value of your home and in many cases, installing energy efficient windows also means getting a nice little tax break in the spring, so figure this into your decision making equation.
If you decide not to invest in new windows but acknowledge that your windows are old and drafty, you might want to consider stopping by your building supply store for plastic window insulation kits. These are fairly low in cost (around $4-$10 each) and pretty easy to install.
Another great way to save money with a relatively low investment is to make sure that you have a programmable thermostat and THAT YOU PROGRAM IT! You can program your thermostat to lower your heat during the day and raise it slightly in the afternoon. Many homes already have a programmable thermostat but the homeowners haven't taken the time to learn the few easy steps required to program it. Now is the time to get serious about saving energy.
Shop around for your fuel and lock in if possible. Many fuel suppliers will allow you to commit to purchase a specific amount of fuel throughout the year and lock in at a somewhat lower rate. There may be some restrictions and requirements but it's worth taking a look at these savings.
Remember that the money you invest toward making your home energy efficient will save you money for as long as you own your home and add valuable equity that will maximize your profits if and when you ever decide to sell your home. Going Green means saving Green!
Here's a short list of things to think about to save some green this winter:
Heat goes out in the winter the same way it came in during the summer, through your windows and doors. Take your air conditioner out in the early fall. (I know, sounds simple, but you'd be surprised how many people leave them in, wrap them up with a plastic bag and let heat seep out around them all winter long). Also, take your screens out and install your storm windows for that extra layer of retention.
If your windows are old and drafty, get an estimate to replace them. Information is power and most window replacement companies are happy to provide you with a free estimate. Thus armed, you can take a look at last years heating bills and using a low estimate of about 20%, figure out your savings (don't forget, you'll save 20% of this years high fuel costs so inflate your last years numbers accordingly). New windows are a great investment that actually raise the value of your home and in many cases, installing energy efficient windows also means getting a nice little tax break in the spring, so figure this into your decision making equation.
If you decide not to invest in new windows but acknowledge that your windows are old and drafty, you might want to consider stopping by your building supply store for plastic window insulation kits. These are fairly low in cost (around $4-$10 each) and pretty easy to install.
Another great way to save money with a relatively low investment is to make sure that you have a programmable thermostat and THAT YOU PROGRAM IT! You can program your thermostat to lower your heat during the day and raise it slightly in the afternoon. Many homes already have a programmable thermostat but the homeowners haven't taken the time to learn the few easy steps required to program it. Now is the time to get serious about saving energy.
Shop around for your fuel and lock in if possible. Many fuel suppliers will allow you to commit to purchase a specific amount of fuel throughout the year and lock in at a somewhat lower rate. There may be some restrictions and requirements but it's worth taking a look at these savings.
Remember that the money you invest toward making your home energy efficient will save you money for as long as you own your home and add valuable equity that will maximize your profits if and when you ever decide to sell your home. Going Green means saving Green!
Labels: Energy Efficiency, Green, Heating and Cooling, windows
