Preparing to Stay Energy-Efficient in the Winter
With the onset of winter looming overhead, it behooves most people to begin finding ways of saving money while comfortably heating their homes.
Start with the following are numerous energy-saving methods that are quick and simple to implement with negligible expense:
Change out light bulbs. Lighting one’s residence accounts for about 20% of the electricity bill. Swapping out energy-starved incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in just five most commonly used lights will yield savings of over $80 a year in energy costs.
Shut off computers and other electronic devices. If a household machine isn’t in use, such as a home PC, power it down or put it into sleep mode.
Install timers and sensors. These cheap gadgets can cut residential lighting costs by as much as 40% by deactivating lights in empty rooms or rarely-occupied areas.
Once the aforementioned basic recommendations have been fulfilled, consider the next two energy efficiency upgrades:
Add or repair your insulation. With properly installed insulation, a house will retain much more warmth, a definite boon during a frigid winter. Many houses with older insulation need to be checked for defects that develop over time such as gaps or voids that could allow cold air to permeate.
Add radiant barrier. A perfect complement to effective insulation, radiant barrier helps to create a seal that traps heat in and blocks out cold air.
The onslaught of winter doesn’t have to end up ravaging your residence with exorbitant electricity expenses. Click here to read more about energy efficient modifications for your home.