Save Money on Energy Costs This Winter
With school back in session and summer memories starting to fade, winter is just around the corner. Colder weather brings higher heating costs, so now is a perfect time to get your home ready. With just a few simple, low-cost upgrades, you can substantially reduce your utility bills. Set aside a day this month to complete the following list of projects. You'll enjoy real savings all winter long!
Wrap Your Hot Water Heater
Does your water heater feel warm to the touch? If so, you can virtually eliminate heat loss by installing a hot water heater blanket. Water heater blankets are typically made from one of two different materials - fiberglass insulation and foam barrier covered by reflective material. Both types work well, but the reflective material will insulate a bit better. Measure your hot water heater and check the available sizes to ensure you get the right fit. Large heaters can be insulated by taping two blankets together and cutting to size. New Leaf America sells hand-picked water heater blankets here.
Seal Exterior Wall Outlets & Switches
One of the most common culprits in leaky homes is switches and outlets on exterior walls. Typically there is little or no insulation behind an electrical box, and gaps between the box and drywall allow air to leak in and out. These air leaks waste energy and money in both winter and summer. Cold exterior air can leak inside in winter causing you to use more fuel for heat. In summer these same leaks allow hot outside air or heat inside affecting room temperature and added cooling costs. There are 2 ways to seal the leaks of electric outlets and switches. You can replace your plug and switch covers with a new switch plate that includes a gasket and a sliding child safety cover. Simply remove the old cover and install the new ones. An even simpler and less costly solution is to install a sealer gasket behind your existing switch plates. Remove the cover, apply the gasket over the switch or plug, and reinstall the plastic cover. New Leaf America sells both sliding switch plates and gaskets so you can start to tighten up your home today.
Weatherstrip Doors & Window
Prevent cold air from seeping in through door and window frames by installing or replacing weatherstripping. The easiest and most widely used weatherstripping is a rubber or plastic strip with an adhesive backing. While inexpensive and easy to install, this type of weatherstripping breaks down after a few years, so be sure to replace it when needed. First clean the surface on which the weatherstripping will be installed, including any old material that's in place. While it dries, measure the length of the area and cut the weatherstripping to the correct length. When the area is dry, check to be sure the cut section fits snugly. Next, fold the plastic V-weather strip in half. You'll want to place that folded edge of the weatherstrip so that it comes in contact with the door first, as you close the door. Now, with the direction figured out, start at one end and unpeel a few inches of backing and affix the strip to the top of the area. Press into place and gradually move down the length of the strip, unpeeling sections of backing as needed until finished. You can purchase our recommended weatherstripping material here.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
If you don't have a programmable thermostat installed, this is a great way to cut heating costs. Programmable thermostats also make your home more comfortable by activating heating systems automatically before you arrive home or wake up in the morning. Programmable thermostats should be installed away from heaters and fireplaces and out of intense direct sun. Never install a programmable thermostat on a poorly insulated exterior wall, as outside temperatures will interfere with an accurate reading. As long as your existing thermostat is in the proper location, replacing it is easy. Even though thermostats use low voltage wiring, always be sure to turn off power at the circuit box before proceeding. Simply remove your existing thermostat and carefully note all wiring connections. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on your new unit and you'll have a smarter, more efficient home in no time. We offer several models of programmable thermostats.
FILED UNDER: CHRIS PRELITZ, GREEN, EFFICIENCY
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