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Eli Haddad

Make Your Home Energy Efficient

01-17-11
Eli Haddad


Although home-building technology is continually changing and improving to ensure comfort for home owners, you can now take matters into your own hands. By practicing energy efficiency daily, you can increase the comfort of your home, while simultaneously reducing heating and cooling needs. Simply start by investing in proper insulation and sealing air leaks. Ultimately, spending a little more now, will save you a lot of money in the long run. For those of you who own an older home, investigating the quality of insulation in your home is a good idea. Only 20% of homes built before 1980 are well insulated.

Besides insulating and fixing air leaks, there are plenty of other ways to practice energy efficiency. Here are a few heating and cooling tips:

1. Keep thermostats as low/high as is comfortable for the season.
2. Replace filters often.
3. Keep air registers clear and clean. Make sure they are not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.
4. Turn off kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes.
5. Take shorter showers.
6. Add weather seals under doors.

While these are just a few ways to begin practicing energy efficiency, just these few steps will save you money and ensure that you are creating a comfortable, yet efficient environment for you and your loved ones.