Here are several tips to keep you warm this winter as well as save you money!
1. Seal cracks! Fill in all tiny cracks in door and windows with caulk or weather stripping. A great natural water-based caulk is Safecoat. Seal up these crack will pay for itself in reduced heating costs.
2. Add insulation! After sealing all the leaks you can increase your saving by adding insulation to your attic space. An insulated attic can save between 20 to 35 % in heating costs.
3. Automate you thermostat! A programmable thermostat lets you turn the heat down at night and during times when you are not home (most folks lower it to 65 degrees during these times). If your thermostat can be turned down 7 degrees for 8 hours a day it can save you as much as 10 % on your years heating costs.
4. Install storm windows! Installing interior storm windows can prevent drafts and cost about $7.50 to $12.50 per sq. ft. Energy Star certified windows are a much bigger investment between $10,000 to $30,000 per house, but can save you up to $465 a year if you are replacing single pane windows and about $100 a year if replacing double-pane windows. Storm windows can reduce heat loss by as much as 50%.
5. Run a fan! Yes, that's right run a fan. Run it at it's slowest speed in a clockwise direction so that it pulls the cool air up and forces the warmer near the ceiling downward to circulate throughout the house. Also a desk fan placed near a heat source will have a similar effect. Running a fan can reduce your heat consumption by as much as 10 percent.
Another way to keep warm is to check out all of the fantastic soft, warm, winter hats and scarves at Two Artisan Sisters studio at http://www.twoartisansisters.artfire.com
No comments:
Post a Comment