Adding insulation to existing walls is a huge energy saver. It will help keep you house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. There are Do It Yourself kits on the market that allow the homeowner to insulate there existing walls quite easily. If you are not the DIY type there are many insulation companies that can do the job for you as well. Either way the end result will be a more energy efficient house that will save you money over time.
Any Energy Star efficient appliances you end up using in your home also nets you a percentage in tax credits. Roofing, siding, HVAC systems and insulation that are Energy Star efficient can obtain up to 10% of the cost as a tax credit.
One of the easiest things you can do is to replace your standard light bulbs with longer lasting more enegry efficient power compact bulbs. This will help you save on average $70 per year.
It sounds simple, but make sure that when you leave the room you turn off the lights. If you are not going to be spending time in a particular room, then it makes no sense to leave the lights on, and running up your bills.
Check and replace the weather stripping on your windows and doors. This is a simple and inexpensive way to help reduce energy costs. It can help all year around for both heating and air conditioning
Upgrading all your appliances to today's more energy efficient models will save you on your electric bills. Examples of common appliances that can drain your pocket book are:
- Dishwasher
- Clothes Washer
- Dryer
Wood-burning fireplaces are notorious for increasing energy bills. Even with the flue closed, if the fireplace is not adequately sealed then your heating dollars are probably floating up and out of the chimney.
Purchasing and having energy efficient windows installed can help save money and make your home more energy efficient. There are a lot of different windows available on the market so make sure that you shop around for a good price, get quotes from multiple companies for not only the price of the windows but for the installation too, and do a little research on the quality and efficiency of the windows you are looking to buy. You will be surprised at how much the quotes from multiple companies for the same product will range.
Install a thermostat with a timer function. Set the thermostat to lower the temperature during the day when no one is home, and raising the temperature to a comfortable level 30 minutes before you get home is a sound way to save on energy costs.