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I didn’t want the question to drag on and on…..
but what are the most COST EFFECTIVE energy improvements!
I figured theres gotta be some people out there that can tell me what works and what doesn’t!
And no, i’m not interested in replacing my air conditioning or hot water heater any time soon :-)
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Posted in Discussion
Windows and roofs – they are costly but are first line of defense against the outside elements and will save you money in the long run on energy bills.
replace your windows with double pane wood windows and you will keep the energy effiency high
There are several ways to do this:
Replace your windows if they are more than 10 years old.
Check for any drafts in your home. If you find any you may be able to chalk the area or crack.
If doors are drafty you can purchase a door sweep cheap at the hardware store.
As for the hot water heater turn down the temperature to a lower heat setting. for the A/C keep it at a comfortable temperature not too cool like 78 degrees or so, and if your not home turn the A/C temp higher to 82 degrees. Good luck.
There’s many things you can do to improve your energy efficiency. You can have replacement windows installed to reduce heat/cold conductivity, have insulation blown into your attic, if its already there have a 6″ cap blown over it. If your walls aren’t insulated have them insulated. Replace your doors or improve the seal around the door and the threshold. Install an attic power vent to draw the heat out during the summer to reduce your cooling costs. Use fluorescent light bulbs in everything, they make them for incandescent fixtures and they produce more light per watt than incandescent bulbs do.
Solar screens on windows. Programmable thermostat. Energy efficient light bulbs. Radiant Barrier in attic (Reflects the heat from the roof in summer and holds in the heat in winter) Weather proof your windows and doors to prevent drafts. Turn thermostat up to 79 in summer and 70 in winter.