Below are some tips on how to do this:
- Check around doors and windows for leaks and drafts. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal these areas. Every duct, wire, or pipe that penetrates your home's walls or ceilings has the potential for energy loss. Be sure these areas are properly sealed. Plumbing vents can be the worst areas for energy loss. Electric wall plugs and switches can be energy loss areas. Your hardware store has simple, pre-cut outlet gaskets that eliminate most of the potential energy loss.
- Inspect your homes heating ducts before every winter. The ducts can become clogged, crushed, or old duct tape can eventually dry up and fall off the duct joints. You can save up to 10% on your energy bill by sealing leaky ducts.
- Is your fireplace damper closed while not in use? Many homeowners forget from year to year to close the damper!
- Inspect the insulation in your attic. Make sure there are no gaps or holes, especially in the corners of your attic. Older homes may be "under insulated." This can be one of the least expensive ways to save on energy, especially in older homes. Seal any holes in the attic that lead to the home such as pipes or vents.
- Have a routine inspection of your heating system before winter comes.
Replace the air filter in your heating system monthly! This can create big savings at little expense. - If you have a gas heater that is pre 1977 you probably have a 50-60% energy efficiency rating. That means only 50-60% of the energy used goes to heating your home. New gas heaters have up to a 97% rating! This could pay for itself quickly!
- Purchase an automatic thermostat timer that can automatically turn down the heat when you are away. It costs far less to raise the temperature before you come home than to maintain it while you are away.
- Reverse your ceiling fans! A simple flip of the switch will help re-direct warm air that rises to the ceiling area back down.
- Make sure heating vents are not blocked by furniture or other items so air can be evenly distributed throughout your home.
- Open curtains to let in more light and more heat!
- Change to energy efficient light bulbs. Lighting your home can account for more than 20% of your electric bill.
As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have about real estate in the Raleigh/Durham area. We're here to help!
Chuck Hinton (919) 422-4841
Cindy Leonard (919) 868-4661
