How I saved money by spending money. A few changes does make a difference.

Ya know the old saying the shoe makers kids never has shoes? I am a builders wife and this year since he was slow, I got some things done around our own home that was on my honey do list!!! Here are a few things we did ourselves this year that will save us money month after month, year after year.

Insulated Siding is the most energy efficient siding on the market. With an industry system R-value range from 2.2 to 5.1. Insulated Siding is the only energy efficient siding with custom-contoured foam that delivers continuous coverage for maximum energy savings.

Insulated Vinyl Siding ~ StructuDow STYROFOAM is an ENERGY STAR® siding from Aloca is the first premium insulated vinyl siding bonded with Dow STYROFOAM®, a recognized leader in insulation. Structure provides superior strength, style and performance and a significant improvement in your home's R-Value (resistance to heat flow) up to 25%. This panel also features our patented T3-Lok System, withstands winds up to 160 mph and is an ENERGY STAR® qualified insulation product! The first premium siding permanently bonded with STYROFOAM® insulation Insulates entire home exterior... even over wood framing where heat loss is significant Can improve the R-Value (resistance to heat flow) of your home up to 25% Reduces high frequency noise and wind sounds by up to 50% Withstands 160 mph windload Foam backing provides a straighter appearance and a solid feel. Extremely low moisture absorption compared to other foam-backed siding Helps keep heating and cooling costs down in all climates and conditions, even in the presence of moisture We have installed this on many of the homes we built. If its good enough for them its, good enough for us!

Next was windows. I have wanted the tilt in since they came out so I would clean them. He wants to see this happen... They are easier than you think to replace.

We picked Jeld-Wen.

• Color: White
• All frames are assembled utilizing fusion-welded technology for added strength and durability
• Frames incorporate a traditional Brickmould profile with an integral J-channel and nailing fin
• Insulating Low-E glass
• Tilt sash for easy cleaning

Next we wanted to replace the roof & gutters and the easiest way for us was to go right over our roof with metal. I didn't not personally participate in this, I don't like heights that much so he summoned a few friends and we had a professional gutter man come.

While asphalt traps heat...	Metal Roofs reflect solar energy...	And pigments re-emit heat.

Most metal roofing, including standing seam, is composed of recycled material and can be installed directly onto an existing asphalt roof, reducing landfill waste and promoting quick installation as well as decades of environmentally-sound, maintenance-free strength and beauty.

The secret to metal roofing's energy savings is in its variety of finishes. As shown above, the basic, unpainted metal roof will reflect much of the solar radiation usually absorbed in your attic and home by an asphalt roof. But, for homes in warmer climates, pre-painted or granular coated metal roofing systems not only reflect solar energy but also cool your home by re-emitting most of what solar radiation is absorbed.Where annual cooling loads dominate, a highly reflective and highly emissive painted or granular-coated metal roof is optimal for reducing energy consumption and can actually re-emit up to 90% of absorbed solar radiation.

Last we changed out our 19 year old Heat & Air unit that could not keep up in the hot months or winter cold days. We just upgrade that and again had a professional replace that.

Energy Star® qualified-meets or exceeds EPA guidelines for energy efficiency

High-efficiency outdoor coil-provides exceptional heat transfer and low air resistance for high-efficiency operation

Environmentally Responsible

• Chlorine-free R410A refrigerant-provides exceptional comfort without exacting a costly environmental toll

Reliable Performance

• Corrosion-resistant cabinet-protects against rust and corrosion with heavy-gauge, galvanized steel construction and a durable, baked-on finish
• Durable coil guard-provides long-lasting coil protection with a mesh shield around the coil and PVC-coated steel wire guard.

OK, we did a few other things like laminate flooring and paint the inside but that wasn't the money saving items. Last year our electric bill at this time of the year ran around $160.00 and up per month. I just got the bill in the mail Friday and it was.....DRUM ROLL PLEASE $113.00 WOW!!! Now if I can get the husband to turn the air up just a little bit more maybe we could get it under a hundred.

There ya have it. Even the builders home needs updating. We saved a ton of money doing most of the work ourselves. Typical home owners either do not want to tackle such a big job or do not know how to. Most builders in our area have become busy updating or remodeling homes including our company ~ Future Homes by Joe Tassillo, Inc. (828) 369-0336

Needless to say I am a happy home owner!