|
| |
Important Guidance While Using the Insecticide and Stain Remover
While using the insecticide it needs to be extra careful as some insecticides are toxic to people and animals.There are many cleaning agent available in the market. But we need to know what the are the used and for which stains they ...
Choosing Your Pool Decking
More and more people are now having a swimming pool built in the garden. The excitement of planning the pool often means people fall into the trap of not giving the landscaping and pool decking area enough thought.When deciding on a ...
Do You Want to Start a Mobile Home Remodeling Addition?
A mobile home remodeling addition is a great way to add more space to your home. Most mobile homes are fairly small and it is difficult to have a growing family in one. If you own the land that your home is on, you might want to consider adding an ...
|
|
|
| |
The average U.S. household spends about $2,150 every year on utility bills. If you're spending more than $152 per month, you're paying more than average. By making simple improvements to your home you could reduce your utility bill from 10 to 50 percent.
1. Shade Those Windows
How you cover your windows has a direct impact on how much energy you save. Dark curtains and good covering blinds are important. In the summer keep curtains/blinds closed to windows facing the sun. In the winter, open them for some natural heating.
2. Landscape That Lawn
Not just for looks, trees can be an important way to reduce energy. Planting deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves in the winter) around your home will help keep your home cool in the summer, and let the sun through in the winter.
3. Choose Your Exterior Wisely
When painting, or replacing your siding or roof, be sure and pick white or light colors. This, though it may not help a whole lot, is a no-cost way to reduce your bill. For roofing options, a white metal roof gives the best benefit.
4. Use CFL's (Compact Fluorescent Lights)
CFLs cost a bit more, but use 75% less energy than regular light bulbs and last about 10 times longer -so you save money, and you stay cooler. Replacing just four well-used 100-watt bulbs with equivalent 23-watt CFLs will save you $108 over three years!
5. Turn Off Those Lights
This should be a no-brainer, but we all need reminders every once in a while. This is a 100% free way to reduce your energy bill. If a light isn't being used, turn it off. If this is a hard habit to get into, install timers on all of your lights
6. Buy Energy Efficient Appliances
A lot can be said here, as this is a huge way to cut energy costs. A few things to remember: Every appliance in your house uses energy, and knowing how much energy each uses is a big benefit to you. A good idea is to check the yellow Energy Star label on appliances.
7. Upgrade Your Attic Insulation
If you don't already have insulation, adding it can save you between 10% and 20% on your heating bills. The higher the R value (heat-resistance factor) of the insulation, the better. For the attic, use at least R40. It's also a good idea to use a good sealant on your attic door.
8. Seal Those Air Ducts
The typical home lose 30%-40% of the cooling they pay for. This is because most ducts are leaky. Not a good thing, being as your ducts are the hottest place in your house. To avoid this, seal your duct system with mastic and mesh (not duct tape), and insulated with R-8 or better.
9. Clean Those Air Filters
You need to clean or replace air conditioner and furnace filters at least once per month. A dirty filter makes these appliances work much harder, using more energy and costing you more money.
10. Use More Cold Water
Yet another no-brainer, sometimes people forget this important tip. Reaching for that hot water faucet need not be a necessity. Dishes, clothes and hands can all be rinsed in cold water.
For more ideas for frugal home spending and especially saving money on home insurance please visit our website: http://www.insurancecoverageplans.com
Article Source: Home and Garden Advice
|
|
|
|
|
|
 The Home Improvement Show with Frank Cohn (Newstalk 1010 CFRB)
The Home Improvement Show with Frank Cohn and John Donabie gives you the chance to get all your renovation questions answered by the expert. 2-time recipient of Renovator-of-the-Year with the Toronto Home Builders' Association, Frank brings a wealth of information to this hour.
The Latest Home Improvement Trend -- Making What's Old New Again (Carteret County News-Times)
(ARA) - At a time when costs for just about everything seem to be going up -- gas, food, building materials, etc. -- a lot of attention is focused on the concept of reduce, reuse, recycle. This is particularly evident in the home improvement sector.
Fall Home Improvement Showcase September 19-21, 2008 in Libertyville, IL (BuildingOnline)
The Libertyville Home Improvement Showcase - Fall 2008 will take place at the Libertyille Sports Complex at 1950 N. Highway 45. Show admission is free, so be sure to make a day of it.
Winterizing Your Home? Save Even More by Renting DIY Tools (Carteret County News-Times)
(ARA) - As the weather cools, homeowners see fall as the year's last chance to do home maintenance to lower heating bills. Of course, you will not save money if you spend more on home improvement than you will save in reduced energy costs.
Add Enjoyment and Long-Term Value to Your Home with a Durable Deck (Carteret County News-Times)
(ARA) - With the housing market in uncertain territory, many homeowners are choosing to stay in their homes and undertake home improvement projects that offer immediate benefits, as well as a good return on investment.
|
