Insulate
Yourself from High Energy Bills
If you're trying to reduce your
energy bills, by far one of the most effective places
to start is with the insulation of your home.
Check Your Insulation
Here's a quick check list for
home insulation:
- check the insulation in your
attic
- ceilings
- exterior and basement walls
- floors
- crawl spaces
- exposed ductwork or ductwork
in unfinished or uninsulated parts of the house
- even a well insulated hot
water heater is inefficient if set too high. Experiment with
hot water temperatures until an acceptable minimal temperature
is achieved.
The higher the R-value for
insulation, the better your walls and roofs will resist the transfer
of heat. Insulation usually comes in four
types:
- Batts—fiber glass,
made to fit between studs or joists.
- Rolls—fiber glass
that can be laid over the floor in the attic
- Loose-fill—often made
of fiber glass or cellulose and is blown into the attic or
walls.
- Rigid foam boards—made
of polystyrene and similar materials are lightweight, provide
structural support, and generally have an R-value of 4 to 7
per inch. Commonly used in confined spaces such as exterior
walls and basements.
Try this interactive zip code
guide to determine the best R rating for your area.
ZipHome.html
Using the right insulation and
the right R Factor is a start in the right direction.
Look for Leaks
Also check for the following:
- leaks around windows, doors,
and electrical outlets
- vents that are closed,
obstructed, or under or behind furniture.
- leaky ductwork in unfinished
parts of the house.
Of course, good circulation is
desirable during milder weather. Whole
House Fans can provide greater comfort while using very little
electricity.
Free Audits and
Rebates
Check with your local utility
company. Many offer free efficiency audits. They may also offer
savings plans for reduced usage during peak hours. Your utility
company may actually pay you to improve your
efficiency. Ask them about rebates on expenses for home
improvements. For example, some utilities may offer up to $250 for
the installation of a high efficiency whole
house fan.
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