01.Dec.2011 12 Tips for Fixing Your Home Energy Leaks

Is your home energy efficient? Chances are there are energy “leaks” around your home that you are unaware of that are costing you money each month.  Perhaps the 12 tips listed below will bring potential energy leaks to your attention and help you save.

 

• Doors. Doors are the ultimate culprits for energy leaks.  Weather stripping around doors will help block out any unwanted air.  Use your hand to feel around the casing of the door for possible energy leaks.

 

• Windows.  Windows are also culprits for energy leaks.  Use caulking around windows that may be allowing cool are to escape.  If you can feel air coming in, you have a problem.  Make sure windows are properly sealed in an effort to save money.  If your windows are old, replacement windows may be the answer to fix energy leaks.

 

 

• Adding in insulation. How well is your home insulated?  You can determine how well your home is insulated by analyzing your utility bill. Small houses with large electricity bills are often the first sign that you have an insulation problem.  Add in insulation to the attic to help fix possible energy leaks.

 

 

• Dryer vents.  Is air entering your home through the dryer vent?  Ensure that the dryer vent is fastened tightly to the wall.  You should not be able to see daylight behind your dryer.

 

 

• Cable.  How well is your cable installed? Holes drilled for cable wires can often be left undetected leaving you with an energy leak. Check all of the cable holes in your walls to ensure there is no air coming in through the holes. Fix holes with caulking or dry wall filler.

 

 

• The roof.  If it is time for a new roof, you could be wasting energy in your home.  In an effort to fix the problem and save money along the way, choose to go with metal roofing. It has shown to reduce energy costs and will last and entire lifetime. A new roof will help fix the energy leaks in your home.

 

 

• Changing the filters on your air conditioner.  How often do your change the filter on your air conditioner?  This appliance won’t heat or cool as well as it can if you do not take care of the filters. Avoid an energy leak by changing out the filters regularly. Remove any trapped debris or dirt from your unit to keep it working properly.

 

 

• Getting a new AC unit.  If you are spending more money maintaining your air conditioning unit, it may be beneficial to go ahead and purchase a new one.  Newer air conditioning units are energy efficient and will likely be a fix for your home energy leaks. While it may cost your money upfront, the long terms benefits are a cheaper home utility bill and a more comfortable home.

 

 

• Get new appliances. While you may think that keeping old appliances is saving you money, it can actually be doing the opposite. Get rid of appliances that may be draining your energy and opt for energy efficient appliances. Larger appliances such as refrigerators are especially important to keep updated.

 

• Change out light bulbs.  The new and improved lights bulbs use less than half the energy of their counterparts.  Get rid of old light bulbs and invest in energy efficient ones to help reduce your energy costs. This cost will save you a great deal of money in the long run.

 

• The basement.  The basement is often a prime suspect for energy leaks. If you are on the hunt for energy leaks in your home, start with the basement. Be sure it is properly insulated. Add in insulation where needed to help reduce the energy costs in your home.

 

 

• Be cautious of letting energy escape.  As a homeowner, there are things that you can do to get the most out of the energy in your home. Be sure to keep doors and windows closed at all times.  Avoid opening the refrigerator and turn off appliances that you aren’t using. Do your part in saving energy.

 

The tips above will help you fix potential energy leaks in your home.  Will you take advantage of the savings offered by fixing energy leaks?

Stephen has written this article for specialty products group 1001Shops that offers a large range of home décor products like – fake flowers, Christmas Matryoshka dolls, etageres and lot more.