Many women are becoming a lot more handy around the house and relying less on the male species for assistance on home repair projects. For example, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to change out a lock on a door – as I refer to the process – it just takes fifteen minutes and a screwdriver. Back to the subject at hand, as we prepare for the upcoming, colder winter months, there are plenty of simple ways we can save a great deal on energy costs, while helping to protect our planet.
OPEN WITH A JOKE – How Many Psychiatrists Does It Take To Change A Light Bulb?
One, but the light bulb has got to really want to change and this old joke reminds us that upgrading to newer CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lights) and/or LED (Light Emitting Diodes) is all the rage nowadays. Not only does it save a tremendous amount of energy, they emit more light, use much less energy in wattage and can last up to 50 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
STOP HEAT FROM ESCAPING
There are many ways that heat escapes our homes that can be reduced quickly, easily and inexpensively. Here are just a few fixes that can keep us warmer and save on our energy bill:
- Older Hot Water Heaters: Installing insulation can save 4-9% on heating costs while these inexpensive jackets can also prevent standby heat loss by 25-45% in winter months. Another way to stay warm, especially when outdoors, is by using tank top propane heaters. To learn more, visit https://10bestranked.com/
- Siding: Siding is one of the most significant improvements you can make to your home. Apart from giving your home a new look, it can also help reduce your energy bills and keep your home well-insulated and warm. Design-wise there are many colors and textures to choose from. Sidings require little to no maintenance and are weather and insect resistant. Contact an experienced and qualified siding contractor to achieve the best results.
- Weatherize: Adding weatherstriping and caulking around leaky windows and doors can help trap the heat inside our home. Many local utility companies will offer an energy audit at no cost to see if this will benefit you and your home.
- Cover Up: Especially for homes with a great deal of bare, either wooden or vinyl flooring, cover up these spaces with area rugs to help keep in warmth and reduce heating costs.
- Use Dressings: Keep window dressings, curtains and shades, tightly closed in the evenings and open during afternoon hours to let the heat and sun shine in.
- Keep It Closed: If you have a fireplace, be sure the damper is tightly shut when not in use and consider installing glass doors for more protection against the elements.
Many people may not realize that another way that heat is leeching from our homes is through electrical outlets and switch plates. While you’re at the hardware or home improvement store, check out specialized, insulated outlets and plates, another easy, inexpensive fix that only takes a few minutes and some simple turns of the screwdriver.
TAKE CONTROL
Programmable thermostats set to heat at 68° during waking hours and 55° at night will drastically reducing heating costs compared to an average, constant setting of 70° Fahrenheit. When it comes to your hot water heater, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommends a setting of 120° rather than the more common 140° level, which can save an average of $400 a year on this particular heating cost.
In closing, remember to check your furnace or heater filters regularly. While some manufacturers may recommend replacing them every three months, during the colder winter season, you may want to take a look at them monthly and replace them as necessary. Your heating system will work more efficiently, clean filters make for less wear-and-tear on these units and will also help to reduce energy costs in the long run.
Gwen Lewis is a writer and makeup artist based in Southern California. Because of her passion for beauty and health, she hopes to help others not just look great but feel great, whether through makeup or her writing. In her free time, she enjoy shopping and pick-up soccer games with her friends.
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