Cut Costs, Save Energy

By Paige Tepping

RISMEDIA, November 15,2010--Homeowners and home buyers alike are all after the same thing today—living in a home that is kind to the environment while saving money on their bills. As we continue to make our way through fall and homeowners begin to prepare for the colder temperatures that are on their way, homeowners should keep in mind that there are some simple things they can do to keep their energy use and bills lower this winter. According to Energy Efficient Home Tips, homeowners should follow these tips to help keep their energy use in check.

An effective seal

While the biggest portion of any homeowner’s energy bill comes from heating the home in the winter and cooling it during the summer, fall provides the perfect opportunity for homeowners to make sure their heating systems are in working order. It is also an opportune time to ensure your home is firmly sealed by checking around windows and doors to see if any air is coming in.

Eliminate unnecessary heating

One of the biggest wastes of energy occurs when homeowners are heating rooms that are unoccupied. To avoid this problem, take the time to close vents in rooms that aren’t being used.

Use window coverings to keep heat in

Be sure to take advantage of all the accessories in your home when trying to keep the warmth in and the cool temperatures out. Take advantage of sunny days by keeping the drapes open during the day and closing them at night to keep the heat in. This will allow you to keep your home comfortable without depending entirely on your heating system.

Control your thermostat

In addition to making the most of your window coverings, homeowners may want to think about investing in a programmable thermostat that can be set to turn on and off at specific times of the day and night. This will allow you to save money on your heating bill while keeping your home comfortable when you are home.

Keeping clean

To cut down on the amount of hot water you use—thus cutting your expenses—use cold water when doing laundry as much as possible. In addition, try to run the dishwasher and laundry machine only when you have a full load.