Winter is upon us and as the temperatures continue to drop, our heating bills continue to rise. There are a number of things you can do to help reduce your heating bills. Hometown Realty recommends following some of the basic steps listed below courtesy of energystar.gov.
Sealing and insulating the “envelope” or “shell” of your home — its outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and floors — is often the most cost effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort. ENERGY STAR estimates that a knowledgeable homeowner or skilled contractor can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs (or up to 10% on their total annual energy bill) by sealing and insulating.
To Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR:
- Seal air leaks throughout the home to stop drafts,
- Add insulation to block heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer,
- Choose ENERGY STAR qualified windows when replacing windows.
For more information about Energy Star visit http://www.energystar.gov