10 Ways to Save Money on Energy Bills in Columbus, OH
Posted by Mike Parsons
September 25, 2008 at 07:37 PM
1. Plugging or caulking air leaks around doors, outlets and switchplates on exterior walls. (save 10%)
2. Maintain the heating system properly. Heating accounts for half of the average families energy bill (about $950 a year). Make sure the furnace or heat pump receives professional maintenance each year. The small cost will pay back in better performance all year long.
3. Insulate everywhere. Adequate insulation in the attic, ceiling, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawlspaces can save up to 30% on home energy bills($630 a year). Focus on the attic(heat rises). Most homes should have between R-30 and R-49 insullation in the attic.
Learn more at www.eere.energy.gov/consumer
4.Install a programmable thermostat. Programming the thermostat from 72 degrees to 65 for eight hours a day while on one is home, or everyone is tucked in bed, will cut the heating bill up to 10% ($90 per year) paying for a basic unit in less than a year.
5.Mind your hot water. Water heating accounts for 15% of household energy use. Reduce water heating costs by lowering the water heater's thermostat setting. Each 10 degree reduction can save between 3-5% in energy costs. Also insulate the hot water heater and the hot water pipes.
6.Seal and insulate heating ducts. A system ca lose up to 60% of its warmed air before it reaches the register (wasting $570 in warmed air per year) if ducts are not properly insulated in unheated areas such as attics and crawlspaces.
7.Close fireplace dampers when not in use. When in use, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window about an inch, close doors to the room, and lower thermostat setting to 50-55dgrees.
8. Let the sun shine in. Open curtains on South facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat the home, and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.
9. Install storm windows over single-pane windows or replce them with Energy Star qualified windows. Storm windows reduce heat loss by 25-50%, and storm windows with low-e coating that reflect heat back into the room during the winter months save even more energy. Look for the Energy Star label to maximize savings. Energy Star qualified windows reduce heating and cooling bills by an average of $345, but could be higher in cold and hot climates, compared with uncoated, single-pane windows. Can't afford new windows just now? Tape clear plastic sheeting to the inside of window frames if drafts, water condensation, or frost are present.
10. Net big savings with a little label. When replacing appliances, light bulbs, electronics, or heating and cooling systems, cut energy bills by up to 30% with Energy Star labeled products.
Information by Kelly Quigley
