Save Energy, Reduce Your Monthy Bills
Replacing your windows and doors is a lot easier than you think. All you need to do is schedule an in-home appointment with a professional, and they’ll take care of the rest. Professionals will measure the openings to ensure the correct fit of your new windows and doors and walk you through all the choices available. Choose your glass. Standard insulating glass is an energy-saving choice. Argon-filled insulating glass with a Low-E coating cuts energy costs and protects your carpet and furniture from fade damage. Low-e glass windows also come in decorated styles that can add a touch of elegance and class to any home.
If you can’t afford to replace all your windows at once, replace south and west facing ones to save money on cooling costs, then replace north and east facing windows in the fall to save on heating costs. You can pick the replacements option right for you such as, Pocket Replacement. Pocket installation is a great solution for replacing old double-hung windows. Replacement windows slide easily into the existing window pocket created when your old sash are removed. There’s no mess. Trim, paint, wallpaper and even siding are not disturbed. And each window can be professionally installed from the interior of your home in about an hour.
Another option is Full-Frame Replacement. This method provides real design flexibility. Because the entire window and trim are removed, you can change the size, shape or style of the opening. This allows you to use windows and doors as important design elements to enhance the beauty and value of your home. For example, create a stunning focal point and bring more light and view into a room with a “window wall.” Or add charm and curb appeal by replacing and old “picture” window with a bay window.
It is best to check in your area for all companies and do price comparisons and pick the one best for you.
You should also add a layer of insulation to the attic According to the Department of Energy, one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to help cut cooling costs, save energy and make a home more comfortable is to add more insulation in the attic. As a general rule, if you have less than 11 to 12 inches of attic insulation, you probably need more.
Change furnace filters frequently you can improve the energy efficiency of your cooling systems by as much as 10 percent by cleaning air registers, baseboard heaters and radiators as needed and changing forced air heating system air filters monthly. An alternative to swapping out the replacement filter is to use washable filters (around $20 each). With care, they can last up to five years.
New appliances in the kitchen It’s amazing what replacing an old appliance can do manufacturers are creating appliances that help save money on energy bills and protect the environment.
In the winter you can save money by doing simple easy things. Weather-strip doors and windows. Caulk any holes or cracks in window frames, door frames, pipes and ducts. Check for and plug any gaps around pipes, ducts, fans and vents that go through walls, ceilings and floors from heated to unheated spaces. Conserve energy in your pool (if you leave it filled during the winter) by running the filter for only 2 hours a day.
Set your thermostat to 68 degrees F or lower during the day and 55 degrees when you leave the house for more than 4 hours or before you go to bed. Close off rooms that don’t need heat if you have automatic thermostat controls, turn down the heater when using the fireplace. Close the damper when not using the fireplace,. Keep your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted, Use passive solar heating on sunnier days, Open drapes on south-facing windows to let in sunlight, Keep warm indoors by wearing layers of lightweight clothing.
Try to prevent opening doors as much as possible. Try to prevent opening fridge as much as possible and teach all children the same. This goes for winter or summer.
If you follow these tips you should reduce your heating and cooling costs a lot throughout the year.
