Heating and cooling total about 44 percent of your home’s energy costs, so careful attention to temperature settings can reap big savings. “Ceiling fans cool the room in summer and only cost 10 percent as much as air conditioning,” says Abby Buford, a spokesperson for Lowe’s. “And it’s easy to install one.” Lowe’s makes it especially easy with a whole website—lowes.com/energy—filled with videos and step by step instructions on tasks that will help you save money on your energy bills. Reverse the fan’s motor so that it’s running clockwise, and you’ll save money in the winter as well.
Another opportunity to save is by plugging up the holes in your home. “A lot of energy leaks out of a house,” says Dick McClary at Home Depot. Plug small holes with caulk (such as where input lines come into your home), and consider adding insulation to attics, the basement ceiling and around windows and doors. “But don’t forget that it’s air that provides the insulation—not the insulation itself,” says McClary. “Think of a double-paned window…it’s not the second layer of glass that makes the house tighter, it’s the trapped air between the layers. So don’t “squish” your insulation into a space— or you won’t be doing any good.” Other leaky areas include doors that don’t fit tightly (add weatherstripping), the fireplace flue (make sure it’s closed when not in use), and the empty space behind electrical outlets (add a pre-cut insulation layer).
When in doubt, says McClary, ask an expert—either a sales associate at your local store, or on the web. Most companies have complete sections dedicated to going green. “There’s a bigger emphasis than ever on educating the consumer,” says Kathleen Kuhn of HouseMaster. “Ask questions, take notes, and spend some time making small repairs and upgrades. I guarantee that small projects can pay off big—both for the value of your home, and for its energy efficiency.”
Article by Sandy Wieber, SVP Marketing, MidAtlantic Farm Credit
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