Tips on Saving Electricity at Home Before Building and Installing Alternative Energy Unit
by
Jaime Ratzlaff
So you’ve been looking into creating your own electricity for your home? That’s Great! There are renewable energy sources all around you that you can easily tap into. Whether you are considering this option to save money on your utility bill, or doing your part to reduce your individual use of non-renewable fossil fuels, you will ultimately accomplish both!
There are a few steps, however that you must follow to be certain your home is energy-efficient for the coming Winter. Otherwise, what’s the point?
– Seal Duct Work
The number one way to conserve energy is to seal all duct work. Go crawl up into your attic or crawl space and check for leaks at joints and intersections. Then seal ’em up with foil-backed tape or silicon caulking. Be careful! Don’t go fallin’ through your ceiling…
– Check your Thermostat!
Duh! Of course keeping your home all nice and toasty would be wonderful, but what’s wrong with wearing a comfy sweatshirt or somethin’? Lower your thermostat to around 60 degrees or so when no one’s home, and keep it at 65-70 otherwise. Also turn it down when ya go to bed. Ah, I love sleeping under my thick down comforter in Winter. That’s some good sleepin’!
– Fireplace are nice, but…
Fireplace are nice and romantic, aren’t they? Yeah, having a fire lit, sippin’ on a glass of wine, enjoying a nice conversation, or reading a book is somethin’ we all enjoy, but impractical for home heating purposes. The open flume allows cold air in even while fire is goin’! Seal it up after the moment passes!
– Weather Stripping!
Be sure to check around all doors and windows for air coming in and escaping as well. Use weather stripping to seal it up. If around your windows leaks pretty bad, you might want to use that canned foam insulation stuff, and/or put up plastic window weather sheeting.
– Other Entry/Exit Points to check
More places to check and seal up are around plumbing pipes going through the wall, electrical outlets, light fixtures, etc. Use the proper insulation product! Check your hardware store and just ask your friendly clerk!
– Lower Water Heater Temperature
Lower your water heater to around 120 degrees and you will dramatically reduce the amount of fuel needed to keep the water heated. I mean, do you really need scorching hot water? Also, insulate the water pipes coming out of the water heater a few feet at least.
– Unplug All That Stuff!
Turn off all things like televisions, computers, etc…when not in use, Obviously. But also unplug all kitchen appliances such as toaster, coffee maker, microwave, whatever. They drain energy all day long sittin’ there unused. Plug ’em into a power strip. It makes it a lot easier. Just flip a switch! Oh yeah, about those out-dated light bulbs: What’s wrong with you? Use the new, energy-saving types. They last longer and use less power. True, they cost a heck of a lot more, but last so much longer, it’s actually saving you money in the long run. Almost forgot to mention that!
Follow these steps to help make your home as energy-efficient as possible, before you even think about building your own solar or wind power plant! And welcome to the Renewable Energy Revolution!
You don’t have to rely on the government and big business to change their policies. You can make a difference by yourself and save alot of money by doing so in these tough economic times. See how
Right Here!
Article Source:
eArticlesOnline.com
}