Energy efficiency is a concern for every home owner...and Dorie wisely points out areas that need to be investigated....thank you Dorie from all the folks who benefited with every energy dollar saved.
Know what the #1 Energy Efficiency Killer for Your Home is?
It's your failure to change your heating and cooling filters on a regular basis!
It's July and for many of us in Texas we are beginning to experience the hottest temperatures of the year! The U.S. Department of Energy encourages us to make sure our homes are energy efficient. Check out this great energy savers booklet provided:
www.eere.energy.govHere are 12 items that commonly cause loss of heat and air to check in your home:
1. Dirty filters
2. Dropped ceiling
3. Recessed light
4. Attic entrance
5. Sill plates
6. Water and furnace flues
7. All ducts
8. Door frames
9. Chimney flashing
10. Window frames
11. Electrical outlets/switches
12. Plumbing/utility access
With remediation of any or all of these items a significant savings could be realized.Owning a home means you need to be aware of proper maintenance in order to keep your home running as energy efficient as possible. Forming a whole house efficiency plan is a must. You need to obtain advice from a professional so you can make smart choices to maximize energy efficiency and save the most of your hard earned dollars.
To find the right contractor try the following:
Ask neighbors and friends for recommendations
Look in the yellow pages or on the internet for LOCAL companies
Look for licensed insured contractors
Get 3 detailed written bids
Ask for references and check them out
Check with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints
Check out Austin Energy for an Austin Energy Audit
Check with your local Realtor for references
Austin prides itself on implementing measures to rank in the top cities for a "green environment." Take advantage of all the programs available to you to save big money long term.I live, work and play in Austin and am here to help you in all your home ownership needs. Call me if I can be of assistance at 512-346-1799 or email me at dillard@reloaustin.com
Dorie in
Austin
Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, CSS, e-Pro,ILHM, REDS
As the energy costs are rising day in day out, it becomes all the more important to save and conserve this valuable resource, by whatever means. Afterall it is our only insurance for tomorrow.
Good point Ruby.....insurance and assurance...an obligation we have to the environment and ourselves.
Just a simple tip, yet many homeowners either fail to recognize it, or are lazy to change it out!
You bet Loreena sometimes the simple things are the ones that escape us...like the energy dollars flying out the window !
Great repost...I still have my original furnace and windows and know one of these days I should just replace them!!!
We hear you....it doesn't develop top of mind awareness when it's not broken....:)
I don't think she means that a dirty filter causes a loss of heat and air conditioning, but a reduction in their efficiency. It is surprising to see chimney flashing on that list! I will have to think about that one and how it applies!
we will listen to you Jay
Sally & David, Thanks for the repost. This is timeless information. Unfortunately, too many homeowners never give attention to this items until they have a costly energy bill.
True enough...now is the time...any time to conserve energy and save money...!
Living in Wisconsin one can never be energy conscience enough