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10 Tips for Saving Energy
in the Home
(MS) - What can I do to save
money on heating and cooling bills? How can I maximize the use of my
appliances to save energy? Which types of outdoor lighting reduce my
electric bills?
In today's economy, saving
energy is important to all homeowners.
"The simplest steps,
like installing low-flow showerheads or getting yearly tune-ups on your
furnace, can result in a tremendous amount of energy savings," says
Bill Lazor, senior brand manager at Simonton Windows. "Saving
energy equates to saving money. Whether selecting glass packages for
windows that reduce penetration of harmful ultraviolet rays into the
home, or simply sealing cracks where air can leak in and out of the
house, there are a number of ways homeowners can increase their energy
knowledge and awareness."
The experts at Simonton
Windows offer these tips for saving energy in and around the home:
Tip #1 - Examine your
windows. Make sure they're doing their part to help insulate your
home. Check for hot and cold spots or drafty areas inside your home
near windows, which can indicate energy loss.
Tip #2 - Insulate and
winterize exterior outlets and spigots.
Tip #3 - Fully load your
dishwasher before starting a wash cycle. Select the shortest cycle,
and allow your dishes to air dry instead of using the heated drying
option.
Tip #4 - Shop for Energy
StarŪ-compliant products. From refrigerators to hair dryers to
windows, products displaying the Energy Star label have been designed
with energy efficiency in mind. For example, Energy Star-labeled
lighting products use up to 75 percent less energy than standard
lighting.
Tip #5 - Seal any cracks
or gaps where air can leak into your home. Many experts believe the
average home has enough small holes to equal one 3-foot by 3-foot
opening.
Tip #6 - Make sure your
fireplace has properly fitting dampers. Remember to close dampers when
fireplaces are not in use.
Tip #7 - If you're
replacing windows in your home, consider those with vinyl frames.
Vinyl offers excellent thermal performance and requires little
maintenance. When combined with other energy-smart features, such as
Low E coatings, the energy efficiency of the window can increase
dramatically.
Tip #8 - Install motion
sensors for use with outdoor lighting. Not only can they provide added
security (you'll know right away whenever someone approaches your
home), they also use less energy than lights that remain on
continuously.
Tip #9 - If you have an
electric water heater, lower the temperature to 120 F and turn it off
when leaving for extended periods. Gas water heaters should be set to
the "vacation" setting. Drain a few gallons of water from
the bottom of the tank every six months to remove sediment, which can
slow heating times.
Tip #10 - Check every
window and door to make sure there is adequate weather-stripping and
caulking, which will ensure a secure seal around the openings in your
home.
Looking for more
energy-saving ideas? Visit www.homeenergysaver.lbl.gov,
www.simonton.com
or www.efficientwindows.org.
For a free eight-page energy tips brochure from Simonton Windows, call
(800) SIMONTON. |
