Friday, July 3, 2009

How to Save Money Cutting Your Home Energy Bill

By Ethan O. Tanner

Heating bills are rising up in every part of the country and the trend will continue because of World energy demands. The average US household expense on energy bills is estimated at 6% to 8% of the income. Owners of efficient new houses spend considerably less than the people living in old houses. Financial burden due to increased energy expenses can be reduced by weatherizing and conserving.

One of the Easiest and Cost Effective Ways to reduce your Home Heating bill is through an Infrared Radiant Heater. This type of heater is economical, energy efficient, and it provides clean air. Infrared heat waves distribute the heat evenly, regardless of the location of the heater. This type of heater will often save up to 50% over other heating sources.

Your home can be energy inferior in the plumbing system, insulating material or heating system. In numerous aging homes, the greatest problem isn't the cold air coming in from windows just the air filtration from the cellar due to flooring joists and the structures supporting the floor. In an common American home, 50%-70% of the energy utilised goes to heating system and cooling system.

If your home was constructed before 1980, it may not have enough insulating material. While most owners center on attic insulating material, they had better not ignore the cellar ceiling. Fibreglass isn't a good insulant material because air flows right through it. Using spray foam or cellulose as an insulating material for proper insulation.

Caulk and weather-strip all doors and windows that leak air. Look for all plumbing, ducting and electrical wiring that penetrates through exterior walls and seal those to prevent hot air leaking out. Keep the flue damper tightly closed when the fire place is not in use. If you are planning to change windows in your house, shop for insulating windows and install them as tight fitting as possible. You can use heavy duty clear plastic sheet to the inside of your window and seal them properly to prevent any leak.

Another area where home owners can focus to reduce their energy bill is conservation. If you have an old thermostat, replace it with a new electronics control thermostat with digital readouts. An electronics control thermostat is more precise than a dial type thermostat. Better, yet, is a programmable thermostat that you can program for the different hours of the day and night.

When you buy new appliances, look for the "Energy Star label. Energy Star labeled appliances are certified to be energy efficient. Most appliances now display a bright yellow and black Energy Guide label. These labels will tell you the average energy consumption cost of the appliance. While shopping for any appliance, do not forget to take into account this cost as another factor to evaluate before you make your final decision. You can find more energy tips at www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips.

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