Energy Efficiency - The True Cost of Improper Maintenance of Your Home
Controlling the weather in New Jersey is something we just can't do. But, there are ways to control your utility costs and keep your home warmer and certainly more energy efficient. It's hard to ignore the lofty cost of heating your home, but quite another story when you can feel drafts that are pulling the heat that that costs you significant money each month out the door! Here are some thoughts that might be of help.
Insulation: Check your attic space. If there is no insulation, install some. If it's in a deteriorated condition, it may be time to have it replaced. Insulating your attic is huge in keeping the warmth you are paying for inside your home. Is the insulation adequate in outside walls of your home? If you're planning on any significant remodeling it may be wise to verify that.
Doors and Windows: Gaps in the wood trim and cracks between the wood and the glass should be caulked properly. Use weather stripping to stop drafts on window and door frames. If you have older windows and doors you may also have storm windows and doors. Be sure they're being used. If you don't have storm windows create a plastic shield to be used temporarily during imminent frigid weather. Heavy duty plastic stretched across the window on the interior will at least prevent drafts on a temporary basis until you can address the real issue. Be sure to watch for condensation as to not ruin the finish on your painting and/or the wood trim. Now may be the time to consider replacing the older windows in your home with more efficient models. Federal Tax Credits may apply.
Heating System: Be sure your ducted heating system filter is not blocked. Replace the disposable filters in your furnace monthly. If you have filters that are permanent, clean them regularly as well. Restricted filters will reduce the air flow from ducted systems, resulting in inefficient operation of your equipment and therefore higher cost to operate it. If you have a Steam Heating System, be sure the automatic feeder (if you have one) is operating properly and that you are not manually adding too much water to the system (which may be evidence of a leak somewhere internally in the system.) Be sure your heating equipment is serviced regularly by a professional. Efficiency can be compromised if your system is not running at peak performance. Consider a digital programmable thermostat to adjust your temperature when the house is not occupied and late at night.
AND... while we're talking about efficiency, here are a few helpful hints.
- Open the drapes or blinds on the sunny side of your home on a cold day. Did you ever notice how your family pet always finds the sunniest spot in the winter months?
- Don't overheat your home. Maintain a steady, comfortable temperature during the daytime, usually 68-70 degrees.
- Set your thermostat to 60 degrees during sleeping hours. Consider a programmable thermostat to automate the process. You can save approximately 2% on your energy costs. It all adds up!
- Caulk and weather-strip your doors and windows - don't let the warmth you're paying for escape through cracks and crevices.
- Insulate yourself by dressing properly - the 'layered' look is not only fashionable, it can save you money.
- Don't block your vents or returns with furniture. Air flow can be reduced dramatically, which puts a drain on your system.
- Have your Heating Pro inspect your system annually. Maintaining your equipment improves its reliability, efficiency and life span.
- Change your filters monthly if you have a ducted system. Clogged filters reduce air flow, which means less heat... and the extra drain can cause problems to your system.
- If you have a Forced Air System and find you are getting cold air flow, your fan delay may need to be adjusted
- If you have a Hot Water Baseboard System be sure the fins are clear of debris and dust.
- Consider upgrading your older system with a more efficient Energy Star ® rated system You may be eligible for Federal Incentives and Rebates if your system is older and inefficient. Older systems have efficiency levels in the 55%-65% range, while today's most efficient systems reach 85% to 95%. The combination of the incentive and the monthly savings from the new system may be well worth the expense, and your savings add up year after year.
Stay Warm!
For more information and helpful tips and hints for New Jersey home and business owners, visit our blog.
Written by Bonnie Bornstein Fertel
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