Ways To Reduce Your Heating Bill
Kachi Realty
Ways To Reduce Your Heating Bill
Ways To Reduce Your Heating Bill
When the temperature outside begins to fall, our heating bills quickly start to rise. For many homeowners, keeping their house warm in the winter means paying a hefty heating bill. Luckily, there are some ways to help reduce those costs and keep a little extra cash in your pocket for a rainy (and warmer) day.
Don’t Be Shade-y
Even though it may be cold outside, the sun still tries to peak through on occasion. When it does, make sure to open your curtains and/or blinds in order to welcome the sun’s heat into your home. This will help to add a touch of warmth to help keep your heating costs down. After all, the time for seeking shade from the sunlight is in the summer.
Cool It
Did you know that the settings on your water heater could be affecting your heating bill? It’s true. Check your owner’s manual or ask a local expert about the ideal settings for your water heater which, if turned down, may still be able to heat your water adequately while reducing your heating bill.
Insulation Information
Insulation is used to maintain your home’s temperature. Some houses, especially older ones, may require additional insulation to keep the cold air out during the winter and the warm air in. The latter is especially important if your goal is to lower your heating bills. Check with a local insulation professional about upgrading or replacing your outdated insulation.
Temperature Control
Turning the thermostat down when the house is empty or at night (when you can snuggle up under the covers) will help to reduce your heating costs.
Window Woes
If you feel a cold draft near your windows, chances are good that it isn’t the only direction that the air is flowing. Specifically, air leaks or gaps in your window can cause the warm air to leave your home, which can result in a rising heat bill. If you notice a draft, use caulk to seal the area or hire a professional to repair any cracks or imperfections that may be causing an airflow problem.
Now that you know how to keep your heating costs down, it’s important to note a certain amount of fresh air must be able to enter the home in order to prevent a buildup of moisture, which could lead to mold during the winter. In other words, don’t prevent a natural airflow by making your home excessively airtight.
Useful Information from Kachi Realty LLC
WAYS TO GO GREEN IN THE KITCHEN Start a garden. Whether you opt for a full-out vegetable garden or a small window of fresh herbs, the taste of freshness will be unmistakable! Shop locally! Visit local farmers markets or choose locally produced produce whenever possible. Bring your own bags when you visit the grocery store. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs. Save time and energy by cooking a double portion and setting half aside in the freezer for a quick meal at a later date. Get energized and leave the appliances alone. Whenever possible, mix and beat ingredients by hand, cook multiple items at the same time, and avoid washing dishes unnecessarily. Use energy-efficient appliances such as the slow cooker or toaster oven, which can use up to 30% less energy. Be aware of energy wasters such as excessive pre-heating or simmering. Ditch the wraps (such as saran wrap or foil) and make the switch to reusable containers for lunches and leftovers. Put a lid on it! Did you know that cooking with lids could save up to three times the energy? Keep all that steam inside the pot for a more energy-efficient (and faster!) meal. Go fresh—say goodbye to excessively packaged foods, which are often produced using processes that are harmful to the environment. Cooking meals from scratch using fresh ingredients is not only healthier, it’s often less expensive and better for the environment. Decide what you are looking for before you open the fridge, and never keep the door open longer than absolutely necessary.
Water Features For Your Yard A water feature can make a major change in your yard, and there are plenty of different ways to go about adding one. From a simple and small fountain to a koi pond or waterfall, you can use water to create a peaceful sense of a real escape from life in your yard. Small Water Features For small yards or for those looking to add something simple, a basic fountain is easy to add. They come in a variety of types, shapes, and sizes and can fit into any landscaping. Your fountain can be a centerpiece for the yard or can be placed near the patio. You can even get a small tabletop fountain for the patio table. Most fountains are easy enough to install by yourself. They use a pump system that circulates the water and keeps the fountain running. Follow all of the instructions for set-up, use, and care that come with the fountain and you can enjoy the sound of trickling water for many years to come. Adding A Pond A pond is a really eye-catching and special addition to any yard. You will need some space for it, but even smaller yards can manage one. Koi ponds are a very popular choice, as the fish are lovely and create an ambience in the yard. They fit in well with any sort of Japanese or other Asian landscape design, but really extend into other styles as well. Make sure your pond has a system for keeping the water circulating and clean; standing water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and it can get quite dirty over time. It’s best to have a professional install the water system for your pond. Waterfalls You may not be able to have Niagara Falls in your yard to enjoy, but you can get a waterfall added as a feature of your yard. These can be falls that descend over a rock wall, a small stream that runs over consecutive drops in a sloped yard, or something in a corner where water falls down into a small pond. A waterfall adds the sound of moving water to the air all the time. Be sure you have proper drainage for the water system. Water features are a beautiful addition to any yard, and your imagination is really the only limit. Many professionals can help you to design the water feature that is right for your yard and your needs.
Tips On Saving Energy & Money At Home When you save on energy, you also save money. As a homeowner, there are a number of ways that you can do both and still have the energy to enjoy your everyday life. The Buzz On Bulbs One of the most obvious ways to save energy in your home is to turn off the television when nobody is watching or when the room is empty. Additionally, avoid leaving lights on that aren’t necessary. Speaking of lights, your choice of light bulbs may also have an impact on your energy bill as certain types require more electricity than others resulting in higher energy costs. Keep It Cool During the warm spring and summer months, it’s best to keep all appliances that give off a lot of heat away from the thermostat. Otherwise, your home may appear hotter than it actually is and the air conditioner will then be made to work harder. This, in turn, equals more energy being used and more money being spent on energy costs. Speaking of heat, it’s a good idea to avoid excessive use of the oven when it’s hot outside. During the warm weather months, the oven can quickly cause your home’s interior to heat up. This means the air conditioner will once again be working harder to cool your home’s interior, which increases your energy consumption. One popular alternative is to use the microwave. Shop Smart Whether you have outdated appliances or are simply looking to furnish a new home, it’s a good idea to keep energy efficiency in mind while shopping for new models. Although energy-efficient appliances may be more expensive, they can save you money in the long run by cutting your energy costs every month. Heating & Cooling If you want to save a substantial amount of money, take a close look at your heating and cooling costs, which often make up over 50 percent of a family’s energy bill. When it comes to heating or cooling, make sure that the thermostat is adjusted at night and when the home is empty. Otherwise, you are simply wasting energy. Make sure that filters for both heating and cooling units are replaced regularly. Sun Sense In the summer, leave your curtains and/or blinds closed in order to minimize the sun’s heat from entering your home as this could cause your air conditioner to work harder. After all, your air conditioner is designed to cool your home and the sun’s heat only makes the temperature rise. In the winter, however, open your curtains in order to get the most out of the sun’s warm rays.