Home Money Saving Tips

Now that the warmer weather is just about here, these home money saving tips can help stretch your monthly buget.

If you set your A/C thermostat a little higher during summer months, you'll reduce your cooling costs 3-4% for each degree of adjustment. Changing the temperature from 74°F to 77°F could lower your energy bill by more than 10%.

A whole house fan is a simple and inexpensive method of cooling a house, particularly during times when the humidity levels are not too high.

If you buy a new air conditioner, buy an efficient model that is sized and installed properly.

New air conditioners must have a minimum SEER rating of 13. Be aware of how the SEER rating can affect your energy use.

A properly ventilated home can significantly improve overall comfort levels and also reduce energy costs.

Use kitchen, bath, and other ventilating fans wisely. In just 1 hour, these fans can pull out a houseful of warmed or cooled air. Turn fans off as soon as they have done the job.

Insulate and seal all attic access openings properly.

Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows that leak air. You will be surprised about the amount of energy lost through the cracks and openings in a home.

Crawl spaces can be a significant source of energy loss during both summer and winter, and should be properly insulated.

One of the most cost-effective ways to reduce your energy costs is to reduce the air leakage within your home as much as possible.

When properly selected and installed, windows can help minimize a home's heating, cooling, and lighting costs.

Ten Ways to Save Energy This Summer

Here in New Jersey we are having a heat wave this weekend. With the himidity, it will feel as though the temperture is over 100 degrees. I am sure all air conditioning units will be on, but are you worried about high energy costs this summer?

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that summer air-conditioning accounts for more than 16 percent of annual energy spending.

Here's 10 ways to help save energy

1. If you have not already done so, have your air-conditioner checked by a qualified professional. Servicing typically includes a check on refrigerant levels, the compressor, hoses, the ductwork and the thermostat.

2. Turn up your thermostat – set the thermostat at 74 degrees when you are at home and up to 85 degrees when you will be away. A programmable thermostat is an excellent way to save energy and maintain home comfort year-around.

3. Make sure your thermostat is not located near lamps or electronic appliances. It can sense heat from these devices and make your air-conditioner run longer.

4. Replace air conditioner filters – dirty filters restrict air flow and cause your system to run longer, thus wasting energy. Replace your filter at least once per month.

5.Weather-strip, seal, and caulk leaky doors and windows and install foam gaskets behind outlet covers.

6. On warm, sunny days, keep window coverings closed to prevent solar heat gain.

7. Use ceiling or room fans in occupied rooms. These will get air moving and help to reduce the temperature.

8. Have the windows in your home tinted. Tinting is effective at blocking the rays of the sun from reflecting through the glass of your windows and into your home.

9. Install a whole house fan. These devices circulate cool air throughout your house and exhaust hot air out of the attic.

10. If your air conditioning unit is older, consider replacing it with a newer, more efficient model. Make sure and look for the Energy Star label, your guarantee of the highest energy performance

Preparing Your Home for the Winter Months

This morning waking up to the fall chill told me that summer is actually gone. Considering just last week I had the AC running for a few days as the temperature reached into the 80's.

Now that the cold weather is approaching, there are ways you should prepare your home for the winter months. This will aid in saving money on your energy bills.

Here's some tips:
1. Proper insulation could reduce your heating costs. Check the insulation in your attic, ceilings, basement walls and crawl spaces.

2. Install the winter storm windows and doors, replacing any screens

3. Inspect your windows, doors and the exterior of your home for any cracks or leaks. These need to be filled with caulk, patch repair or weather stripping. Any areas that might leak cold air should fixed.

4. Have your heating equipment checked before you begin to use it for the season. Does yours need a professional tune-up? This tune up will include an inspection for leaks, soot, rust, rot or any corroded electrical contract or frayed wires.

5. REMINDER: Replace your furnace filter in your heating unit. Clean filters help improve the quality of air flow and help lower your bills. It is recommended that disposal filters be replaced every month and a reusable filter be cleaned every other month.
How many of you forget to do this? DO this today! before you need to turn on your heat. I actually replaced mine yesterday. One job done...

Source: Coleman Heating and Air Conditioning