Into Energy
Into Energy
Into Energy
Get Your Home Ready for Spring: Make Every Room Energy Efficient
Get Your Home Ready for Spring: Make Every Room Energy Efficient
“Spring has sprung” …so the saying goes. To me, this means beautiful weather and finally being able to be outdoors more. I’ve also noticed an influx of work trucks in my neighborhood. It looks like it’s also a time for home improvements. Lately, with so much emphasis on the importance of making your home energy efficient, I wondered where it is best to spend money – making home improvements or making my home more energy efficient. I read that before remodeling a home, it’s good to consider investing in making it more energy efficient. This will help save on energy use and money over the long run. However, there’s no telling how long, the “long run” will actually be. So, after doing some research, I found the best options – saving on our energy usage AND saving money too! I divided them into five categories for the rooms that my family uses most:
1. Bedroom. Even though we’re asleep, most of the time we’re in the bedroom, it is still a very important room. During the hot months, many people crank down the air conditioner just so they can be comfortable when they sleep. This wastes a lot of energy which is reflected in increased energy bills. That is where the ceiling fan comes into play. Ceiling fans help circulate cool air in the summer by pushing cooled air downward, and then you can reverse the blade direction in the winter which pushes the cool air upward, to mix with the warm air. By doing this, you’re able to be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter while saving some energy. Plus, there are a number of models that look nice and can add a decorative touch to the room. In the summertime, just by using a ceiling fan, you can raise the thermostat around four degrees with no reduction in comfort. Quick energy saving tip: A ceiling fan cools people, not the room as it acts as a wind chill to cool the body, so leaving a fan on when out of the room does nothing but waste electricity. So, save more energy and remember to turn it (and any lights or electronics) off when leaving the room. Another easy improvement is with lighting. You may or may not know that there was a federal law that passed, which is phasing out incandescent bulbs. Starting in 2012, American manufacturers will no longer be allowed to make 100-watt bulbs and the light bulb as we know it will be replaced by compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and LEDs (light emitting diodes). So, knowing this now, could get you a head start on the movement. Yes, they don’t give off the best light, but according to the website, www.energysavers.gov, CFLs not only use about 75% less energy but they last up to 10 times longer than standard light bulbs.
2. Attic. If you’re looking for a home improvement that not only makes your home energy efficient, but you can see results instantly, then I recommend adding insulation. This project was done in our house and we saw savings on our next energy bill. Our home is older and required more insulation, so the amount of insulation needed and the energy savings you’ll see depends on how much insulation is already in your attic. Insulation helps save energy because it acts as a barrier that keeps heat in during the winter and keeps heat out during the summer. In order to maximize the efficiency of adding insulation, it’s best to air seal your attic to prevent air leaks first before adding the insulation. You can do this by caulking, sealing and weather stripping all seams, cracks and openings to the outside in your attic. The main sources of air leaks in your attic are around the chimney flashing, all ducts, the attic entrance, any recessed lighting and a dropped ceiling. Once the air leaks are filled, then it’s time to add the insulation. To determine if your home needs insulation, you can either hire a qualified home energy auditor who will do an entire home energy assessment for you or you can inspect it yourself. If you do decide to do the inspection yourself, you need to find out the following: A) where your home needs to be insulated, B) the thickness and the R-value of your current insulation and C) the type of insulation you already have. The R-value is a measurement for insulation’s resistance to heat flow and the higher the value the greater the effectiveness.
3. Kitchen. Some people consider the kitchen the “heart” of a home. The problem is that it takes a lot of electricity to keep that “heart” beating. So, an easy way to give your kitchen a facelift and make it energy efficient is to upgrade your appliances. For example, by replacing an older refrigerator with an Energy Star labeled model, you will use 40% less energy than conventional models sold in 2001 or earlier. Just think how nice your kitchen will look and how much energy (and money) you can save by replacing all your kitchen appliances with new Energy Star models. In addition to updating your appliances, you can also replace all lighting in the kitchen with CFL’s, which use less energy and create less heat, which is especially helpful when cooking during the hotter months. If you aren’t looking to upgrade your kitchen but are interested in ways to save energy and cut down on your energy bill, here are a few energy saving tips for the kitchen:
*Use pressure cookers or microwave ovens instead of the stove. They will save energy and reduce cooking time.
*If you do use the oven, try to cook several items at the same time. Also, don’t open the door to peek in; opening the door can lower the temperature inside up to 25 degrees.
*Only run a full dishwasher but be sure it’s not overloaded.
*Let your dishes air dry. There should be an automatic air-dry option but if not, then turn off the dishwasher after the final rinse and open the door to let the moisture escape.
*Allow foods to partially cool before putting them in the refrigerator since it takes more energy to cool hot food.
4. Living Room. When I think of the living room, the first things that come to mind are comfort and electronics (i.e., TV and music). So, an easy (but pricey) way to help with your energy bills is to upgrade your electronics, like your TV or sound system and make sure they are labeled, “Energy Star”. This labeling helps reduce energy consumption without reducing the quality of the product. Quick energy saving tip: Remember to turn off lights and electronic devices when not in use. Contrary to what you might expect, even in stand-by mode those items still consume electricity unless they are completely shut off. If you are looking for less expensive options, just like in the bedroom, you can adopt the same tips for the living room as well. Use/install a ceiling fan and switch to CFL lighting. Whether you work from the home, are a stay-at-home parent, or at home for any reason during the day, you may find that you spend most of your time in the living room. So keep in mind these money savings tips in your living room. Also, it can be beneficial to update your windows and doors, not only in your living room, but in all rooms throughout your home. If you have older single pane windows, chances are you have leaks in them. This is a problem because air conditioned air is escaping through the leaks and outside air is coming in through them as well. A simple fix would be to replace those windows with new, double pane windows that are much more energy efficient and labeled “Energy Star”. This method is costly, but they can add better curb appeal to your home plus can reduce air loss of up to 50%. Go to The U.S. Department of Energy’s website for information on how to choose the best window option for you. If replacing windows is not the option for you, then you can add caulk and/or a weather strip to reduce air leakage. Determine if there are air leaks entering your home by inspecting windows and/or doors to feel any air coming through. If there is, you can apply caulk to fill in the gaps. Lastly, if you do not have curtains or window coverings, it is a good idea to add them. By keeping them closed during the hottest part of the day, it will help block out the sun and keep your room cooler in the warmer months and they add a nice decorative touch.
Before I continue, I thought I’d point out that there is a 2011 tax credit for replacing windows, doors, insulation, and more with an Energy Star model. With this credit, you can get 10% of the cost of the new product, up to $500, or a specific amount from $50-$300. This credit expires on December 31, 2011 and is only applicable for updates made to an existing home that is your primary residence. This does not apply to new construction or rental properties. Go to the Energy Star Tax Credit website for more information on this tax credit.
5. Garage. The garage is probably one of the last places people think to make improvements to or make energy efficient. What many people don’t realize is the garage (especially if it is attached to the home) can be one of the largest culprits of air loss in your home. One of the easiest ways to help prevent this loss is to add a weather strip to the bottom of the garage door and the door entering your home. This prevents the outside air from coming in and the air conditioned air from escaping – and as a bonus – it acts as a cushion for the garage door, which cuts down on noise when it closes. If you feel a breeze on the sides of the garage door, you can add weather stripping tape to seal the leaks. Now, if you’re looking to increase curb appeal or just tired of your garage door altogether (or if it’s old and falling apart), you can purchase an energy efficient garage door that will look better and prevent air from leaking. Another quick fix, just like throughout the rest of the house, is to replace the garage lighting with energy efficient CFL lights. Lastly, many people have a refrigerator or freezer in the garage for extra storage. This becomes a problem if you live in an area that has extreme high and low temperatures. Keeping the fridge/freezer at the proper temperature in extremely hot weather causes it to work harder. This is tough on the appliance AND it uses more energy, which costs you more money. So, if you are set on having another fridge or freezer in your garage, then think about replacing it with a model that is built garage-friendly and can withstand extreme temperatures.
Hope these ideas work for you and happy home improvements!
Online Resources:
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home
http://www.ehow.com/info_7981171_do-use-energy-hot-garage.html
http://www.tidbitsandstuff.com/household-tips/kitchen/171-make-your-kitchen-more-energy-efficient-save-money/
http://www.hgtvpro.com
About the Author
Bounce Energy is a Texas Electric Company based in Houston. Bounce Energy’s goal is provide more than low Texas Electric Rates to our customers. With innovative and flexible plans, excellent customer service, and superior customer rewards, Bounce Energy offers a unique approach to Texas electricity.
Free Energy 400 Billion Dollar Secret
|
|
iHome iP43LVC Dual Alarm Clock Radio for your iPod/iPhone with Pillow Shaker (Blue) $75.95 Sla 12v 18ahupg 85977/d5745 sealed lead acid batteries (12v; 18 ah; ub12180). Specs: used in ups backup systems, spotlights, flashlights, exit lighting & other equipment; 12v; 18 ah; ub12180. Refurb: n. Returnable: y. Warranty: one year……. |
|
|
Dual Alrm Clck Rad Iphone/ipod Purple Charge Play Or Wake $91.77 iHome IP43UV Desktop Clock Radio IP43UV Clocks… |
|
|
Alex Super Baking set – 18 Piece Metal and Plastic Set $16.99 Measure, mix, prep, and bake some imaginary treats| This 18-piece set features a loaf pan, bear pan, heart pan, mixing bowl, rolling pin, whisk, measuring spoons and cup, pastry wheel, 2 star cookie cutters, 2 heart cookie cutter, and an oven mitt. Bon Appetit|… |
|
|
Passion of the Christ: Songs (Original Songs Inspired by the Film) $7.00 … |
|
|
Egyptian Hieroglyphs Made Easy $26.50 Learning and understanding of the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic language. The hieroglyphic script was the longest lived and earliest form of the Egyptian language. Its use was limited primarily to religious and monumental inscriptions, whereas a more cursive script called hieratic was preferred for administrative and epistolary purposes. Hieroglyphic Egyptian employs pictures of objects, each with… |
|
|
Promised Land [CD-ROM] Queensryche’s follow-up to the double-platinum Empire is something of an acquired taste, but it’s well worth the effort. There’s considerable variety here; the heavy progressive-rock of “I Am I” and the ballad “Bridge” were hit singles, but there’s also the funk-inflected “Disconnected”, the edgy, spooky “Lady Jane”, and the piano-and-vocals “Someone Else?”. The title track is probably the stronge… |
|
|
Omaha Steaks Prime Rib Roasts Prime Rib Roasts… |
|
|
KIKE CALVO photo illustrations FREAKLANCES Collection – Freaklance Fausto with bike graphic tablet and keyword – Coffee Gift Baskets – Coffee Gift Basket $44.99 Freaklance Fausto with bike graphic tablet and keyword Coffee Gift Basket is measuring 9x9x4. Contains 15oz mug, BONUS free set of 4 coasters, biscotti and 5 blends of gourmet coffee. French Vanilla, Kenya AA, Decaf Colombian Supremo, Chocolate and Italian Roast Espresso elegantly presented in our signature black planet coffee gift box. A very nice and thoughtful gift for any occasion…. |
|
|
Betty Lous Organic Harmony Hippy Happy Apple Bar Case Pack 24 – 683021 $116.33 1.75 oz bar. Vegan. USDA organic. Ingredients: organic apple cinnamon granola [organic oats, organic maple syrup, organic oat flour, organic crisped rice (organic brown rice, malt syrup - GF, sea salt), organic brown rice syrup, organic walnuts, organic sunflower seeds, organic expeller pressed high oleic sunflower oil, organic unsulfured dried apples, organic cinnamon, organic vanilla, sea salt],… |
|
|
SE Glow-in-the-Dark Brass Compass $1.50 Night Hike? Go ahead. If you’ve got your glow-in-the-dark compass with you, you can find your way back without having to grope around trying to feel the moss on the north side of the trees. In brass, 2″ dia x 1/2″ thick, with a bezel with 2-degree increments and a 13/16″ dia hook on top…. |
|
|
SE Lensatic Compass $1.40 Classic design traditionally used by military forces for its precisely accurate bearings in land navigation and directing artillery coordinates…. |
|
|
Brunton Classic Compass $7.35 The complete compass designed for everyone. Cobalt steel needle, patented declination adjustment, and 2? graduation…. |
|
|
Modern Floral Bird – Vinyl Wall Decals Murals Stickers Art Graphic – 46H x29W – by üBer Decals Better than wallpaper, wall stickers are a perfect way to decorate your room and express yourself. They are a fun, easy and removable decor solution. These stickers are pre-cut and will only take you several minutes to apply on any surface – walls, doors, windows, and more. Each of our designs come with easy instructions to follow. This is an original design from uBer Decals. All other sellers are… |
|
|
Yoga Girl – Vinyl Wall Decals Murals Stickers Art Graphic – 25H x 35W – by üBer Decals Better than wallpaper, wall stickers are a perfect way to decorate your room and express yourself. They are a fun, easy and removable decor solution. These stickers are pre-cut and will only take you several minutes to apply on any surface – walls, doors, windows, and more. Each of our designs come with easy instructions to follow. This is an original design from uBer Decals. All other sellers are… |
|
|
2.5mm Hands-Free EarBud Headset + Car Kit Vehicle Plug in Adapter + Home Travel Wall Charger for ATT Nokia Mural Grouper 6750 Cell Phone $5.99 Brand new premium quality MP3 Earbud and hands-free headset for your cell / smart / PDA phone. Acoustically tuned speaker for improved sound clarity even in noisy environments. Soft covered ergonomic earpiece for comfort even over extended periods. **Phone & Ear bud features are limited to the phone’s capability and the service provider’s default settings. Please consult with your phone’s user man… |
|
|
Tiger Balm Analgesic Tiger Muscle Rub … |
|
|
Gecko Nasal Pad – Large, 4.12 Long $24.80 The Gecko Nasal Pad (formerly the Sleep Comfort Care Pad by Sequal) is intended for patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) who experience pain and discomfort on or around the bridge of their nose associated with using nasal or full face masks. The pad acts as a cushion between the patient’s face and mask, and is simply placed across the bridge of the nose under the mask. The protective polyme… |
|
|
Ableware 769450000 Raptor Reacher $13.99 Raptor Reacher Maximum value at a moderate price The Raptor Reacher is a low cost, durable, lightweight, all plastic reacher with a contemporary design unlike other reachers. The jaw opens a full 2 1/2″ (6.3 cm) and provides a tight grip on even the smallest items such as coins or bulky items like newspapers, clothing and cans. A hook-like extension on the front can be used as a dressing aid. The … |
|
|
Star Wars: Lost Tribe of the Sith #2: Skyborn $1.00 Don’t miss Star Wars: Lost Tribe of The Sith: Skyborn a FREE original eBook short story, the second in a series that tell the untold story of the Fate of the Jedi’s forgotten Sith castaways, their battle to survive, and their quest to re-conquer the galaxy! DECEIVE AND CONQUER A Jedi ambush leaves the Sith ship Omen marooned on a remo… |
|
|
Serial $1.00 Remember the twin golden rules of hitchhiking? # 1: Don’t go hitchhiking, because the driver who picks you up could be certifiably crazy. # 2: Don’t pick up hitchhikers, because the traveler you pick up could be raving nutcase. So what if, on some dark, isolated road, Crazy #1 offered a ride to Nutcase #2? When two of the most twisted minds in the world of horror fiction face off, the result is SE… |
|
|
The Wild’s Call $1.99 It is seven years after the collapse of modern civilization, and the world is entering a new Dark Age. Can best friends Elysia and Darien trust the animal spirits that are beckoning them to escape into the wilderness and create a new way of life? And will they give in to the mutual passion they’ve always denied?Don’t miss this thrilling prequel story set in the same world as Jeri Smith-Ready’s Asp… |
|
|
Kuzy® – AQUA BLUE Keyboard Silicone Cover Skin for Macbook / Macbook Pro 13 15 17 Aluminum Unibody $0.99 Dress up your MacBook Pro in fashionable color, silicone protection now. *** Will Not fit MacBook Air 11″ ***… |
|
|
Kuzy – PURPLE Keyboard Silicone Cover Skin for Macbook / Macbook Pro 13 15 17 Aluminum Unibody $2.00 Dress up your MacBook Pro in fashionable color, silicone protection now. *** Will Not fit MacBook Air 11″ ***… |
|
|
Kuzy – Circles Blue/White Keyboard Silicone Cover Skin for Macbook / Macbook Pro 13 15 17 Aluminum Unibody $2.00 Dress up your MacBook Pro in fashionable color, silicone protection now. *** Will Not fit MacBook Air 11″ ***… |
|
|
Flexees Women’s Instant Slimmer Lace Trim Body Briefer #5356 $55.00 You will be in good shape once you get your hands on our Flexees® Ultimate Slimmer Body Briefer with Lace! Offers maximum controlAll over control and supportLace adds a touch of femininitySlims and flattens the tummyTake inches off instantlyProvides full coverage in rearUltra firm controlFabric Content: Front & Back panel: 65% Nylon, 35% ElastaneFront Panel: 88% Nylon, 12% ElastaneInner… |
|
|
Maidenform Lilyette® Absolute Solution Lightly Lined Bra $34.00 Lilyette® has designed a bra that delivers the absolute solution for a full figure woman into one pad! Our Lilyette® Absolute Solution Lightly Lined Bra is the single bra that will supply you with modesty, lift, and shape!3 section cup each with a different benefit: Lift, Modesty and ShapingOffers full supportSoft fabricationPads are designed to leave you feeling confident and comfortableDeliv… |
|
|
Maidenform Women’s Maidenform Custom Lift Strapless Bra $35.00 Our Maidenform® Custom Lift® Strapless Bra with Convertible Straps was uniquely designed to give you the perfect lift for your cup size! Each cup size is designed with its own unique lift feature to custom fit your bra sizeProvides stay put confidence and will not fall downFabrication is soft to the touchLies flat under clothesSeamless Uplift and ShapingComes with matching staps so you… |
|
|
The Sims 3: Outdoor Living Stuff $10.00 Electronic Arts Inc. The Sims 3 Outdoor Living Stuff 19503 PC Games… |
|
|
The Ultimate Library…10,000 Books on Cd-rom $49.49 This 4 CD-ROM set includes: Volume One Volume Two |
|
|
Power Game Pack (featuring Super Show & Go) $24.91 Includes 250 games – nonstop Arcade Action puts you in the game! Categories: Best Games, Action/Arcade, Card & Dice; Board Games; Strategy; Screen Effects – and many more!… |
