There?s nothing like the shock of the first big heating bill of the winter to make a homeowner start considering some energy efficient home improvement projects. If you?re paying for the heat in your house, you want it to stay in your house. But older houses are often like sieves sending heat right out the windows and doors. Every one of those little gaps winds up costing you money.
Fortunately, there?s never been a better time to start making your old, drafty house into an energy efficient home. Prices on Energy Star rated materials such as replacement windows and low flow shower heads are at an all time low. On top of that, many state and local governments are offering incentive refunds on everything from energy efficient refrigerators to new insulation.
Conducting an energy use audit is the first step in making your house more energy efficient.
If you?ve got the funds, there are plenty of independent contractors who will, for a price, evaluate your home and write a report with recommended fixes.
A lower tech audit can be conducted by simply examining your doors and window on a cold night. Can you feel cold air coming in? If cold air is coming in, hot air, and money, is probably flowing out the other way.
Home appliances are one area that is frequently overlooked in an energy audit. Older refrigerators, washers, and televisions can account for more of your energy bill than you might think. In most states, you can check out a meter from your local library that will tell you how much energy your appliances are using each year.
Windows are probably the biggest ticket item you?ll run into when making your home more energy efficient. But windows also offer one of the best places to start saving money as well. Modern double pane windows from companies like amsco windows keep heat in during the winter, they deflect the warming rays of the sun during the summer months. This allows for more efficient use of air conditioning as well. And in most municipalities, rebates of up to 00 are available on energy efficient window purchases.
Upgrading your home to be more energy efficient will save you a great deal of money and to the overall value of your home. The fact is that in most cases, new, efficient appliances will pay for themselves in less time than you might think.
Caitlina is a freelance writer.
Source: http://www.effortlessfreedomonline.com/energy-efficient-home-improvements/
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