Monday, October 3, 2011

Green Home Repair Can Equal Green In Your Pocket! | Home ...

Saving money and saving the planet does not have to cost you a fortune. These easy fixes can lower your electric bill.

Below we will explore the top 11 easiest ways to improve your home, protect the environment and save money. Instructions to access government funding for energy saving home improvements are also provided. To begin, we will start with some of the simplest ways to reduce your electric bill. These improvements will cost little to nothing and can be dome in less than a few hours.

1. Reduce the simple air leaks in your home. By using caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping you can easily improve energy efficiency and comfort. Adding a tight seal around, windows, doors, light fixtures, plumbing access points, and electrical outlets will reduce your air leaks. Air leaks can cause a loss of heating and cooling. To make up for this loss, you need to turn on the AC or Heater to maintain temperature. Simply by adding a seal, you will instantly reduce this loss and instantly reduce your electric bill.

2. Replace your shower heads and faucets aerators. Low flow shower-heads and sink faucet aerators are relatively inexpensive and can help you save water and electricity. By using less hot water, they help you save on your electric bill. Most low flow shower heads are designed to provide better water pressure and enhance the end user experience.

3. Reduce the complex air leaks. After the simple leaks are fixed, be sure to seal up the larger air leaks in your attic, basement, or crawlspace. These seals may require a contractor but if you are handy, you can do it yourself.

4. Replace the lighting. Lighting that is Energy Star approved, provides warm, bright light while saving 75% more energy when compared with standard, conventional lighting. In addition to this energy efficient lighting generates 75% less heat and lasts much longer (up to 10 times). The five best fixtures to replace are: kitchen ceiling lights, outdoor porch / post lamps, living room lamps (table and floor), and bathroom vanity.

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5. Install a programmable thermostat. Simply by installing a programmable thermostat, you can reduce your electric bill by 0 per year. Programmable thermostats will set the temperature around your schedule. If you are away from home or sleeping, you can adjust the temperature accordingly.

6. Replace your Washing Machine. Energy efficient washing machines use about 30% less energy and use over 50% less water than regular washers. In addition to this, most energy efficient washing machines offer greater capacity helping you save money on detergent. Just by replacing your washing machine, you can save over 5 each year.

7. Replace your Dishwasher. by replacing your old dishwasher, you can save over 10 gallons of water each time you wash dishes. In addition to this, you can also save per year.

8. Reduce the leaks in your ductwork. If you have central air conditioning or heating, you are probably losing part of your cooling and heating before it even comes out of the vent.

Insulating and sealing your air ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by more 20 percent. The heating and cooling system is one of the largest uses of power in the home. If you have access to the ducts including those behind access panels or those in attics, garages, basements, and crawlspaces, you can easily seal and insulate them yourself. Caution: Duct Tape is NOT the answer. Duct Mastic can be found in most big-box improvement stores, online, or even your local hardware store. Duct mastic is designed specifically to prevent air-leaks in duct work. You may want to hire a professional to test, seal, and insulate your duct work that is inaccessible.

9. Add insulation to the exterior wall frame. In general, most properties do not properly insulate the exterior walls. Adding R-13 insulation in your exterior walls will help reduce heat and cooling leakage.

10. Wrap your exposed water heater and/or plumbing. If you cannot replace your tank style water heater, you should insulate it. A water heater blanket will help prevent some loss of heat, slightly lowering your electric or gas bill. Additionally, insulating the exposed plumbing that leaves the water heater will help lower your heat loss.

11. Replace your water cooler. Inefficient water coolers will use more electricity than a refrigerator. Better yet, replace your watercooler with an energy efficient refrigerator that has a water filtration system.

By making these simple adjustments and repairs you can save a substantial amount of money. Several of the recommendations will require less than each. The United States Government offers financial assistance, grants, tax rebates, loan guarantees, and insured mortgages for more complex energy savings repairs. To find out more see the contact information below or apply for government home loans here.

The United States Government offers special programs for major energy efficient home improvements. These funds offer quick and easy approval. To apply for a VA loan refinance program, visit => Apply For VA Home Loan Info

Source: http://www.effortlessfreedomonline.com/green-home-repair-can-equal-green-in-your-pocket/

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