Invest Now – Save Later
Here are some areas in which a modest investment now could be a significant savings later on.
Lighting –
Replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights is a simple way to save on electric bills. The cost initially of the bulb is higher, $4-$15, but the savings over the life of the bulb is $25-$30.
Windows and Doors
Contributors to high heating and cooling bills are leaky windows and doors. The Energy Information Administration reported that in 2007, home heating costs rose almost 10 percent. Replacing windows and doors is expensive, but a home’s efficiency may improve as mush as 70 percent saving the homeowner thousands of dollars over the usable life of the new windows and doors.
Heating and Cooling Systems
Install a programmable thermostat. This allows you to regulate the heating and cooling for different times of day.
Insulation
Upgrading insulation will require some expense but not necessarily a lot. Of homes 28 years or older, nearly 80 percent are not insulated to government standards according to the Department of Energy. Insulation depth in the attic of 15.5 inches or less, is not enough. This is a fix a homeowner can easily do themselves.
Visit www.EnergyStar.gov to learn more about energy-efficient home improvements.
September 26th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Nice writing. You are on my RSS reader now so I can read more from you down the road.
Allen Taylor