Do Your Part: Save money and energy with quick home fixes
Updated: 01/01/2012 03:25 PM
By: Terri Bennett
If you want to Do Your Part at home and save money instantly, there are a few quick home fixes that will do the trick.
Weather stripping around doors and windows is an easy place to start. About half of our monthly utility bills goes towards heating or cooling. Weather stripping prevents that air and your money from escaping. Your outlets are one place air leaves from. You can insulate them yourself or have a professional do the job. It may not seem like a big deal at first, but when you insulate all your outlets the savings start really adding up.
But don’t forget other places where air escapes. A biggie is the fireplace. Just because the flue is shut doesn’t mean air isn’t escaping - because most flues aren’t airtight. There is a simple solution: a balloon that inflates like this when it’s put in the chimney. This chimney balloon seals off the leaks and you can install one in less than five minutes. It only takes seconds to deflate and costs about 60 dollars.
There are other insulating projects which also help - like insulating your attic doors and entryways. A little rigid insulation with a heat reflecting barrier equal big savings.
Investing in a programmable thermostat will also help you slash your utility bills by 10%. You can use them to adjust the temperature while you’re away so you’re air conditioner or heating system won’t run when you don’t need it to.
And, don’t forget to make sure you’re also keeping your appliances running efficiently. By cleaning your refrigerator coils, you’re extending its life and helping it run with less electricity.
These quick fixes will help you save money instantly, make your home more comfortable and they are another easy way to Do Your Part!
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