Sunday, December 14, 2008

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 most effortless and efficient Ways to cut down your household Heating bill is through an Infrared Radiant Heater. This type of heater is frugal , energy efficient, and it allows for clean air. Infrared heat waves diffuse 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 house can be energy deficient in plumbing, insulation or heating. In many old houses, the biggest problem is not the cold air coming from windows but the air filtration from the basement due to floor joists and the structures supporting the floor. In an average American home, 50%-70% of the energy used goes to heating and cooling.

If your house is constructed before 1980, it might have poor insulation. Although most owners center on attic insulation, they shouldn't brush aside the basement ceiling. Fiber glass is not a good insulation material as air flows right through it. Employ spray foam or cellulose as an insulation materials for desirable insulation.

Caulk and weather-strip all doors and windows that leak air. Look for all plumbing, ducting and electrical wiring the gets through by outside walls and seal those to prevent hot air leaking out. Maintain the flue damper tightly closed when the fire place is not in use. If you are planning to modify windowsin your home, shop for insulating windows and install them as tightly fitting as possible. You'll be able to use heavy clear plastic sheet to the inside of your window and seal them in good order to prevent any leakage.

Some other areas where householders could concentrate to cut down their energy bill is conservation. If you've an aged thermostat, replace it with a newer digital control thermostat. An electronics control thermostat is more accurate than an dial type thermostat. More beneficial, yet, comprises a programmable thermostat that you are able to program for the different hours 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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