One of the best ways to save on monthly expenses is by reducing the energy usage in your Dayton area home. Use these energy-saving tips and keep your hard-earned money in your pocket. The bonus is that all of these tips will reap energy-saving benefits in the summer, as well.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Most homes simply aren’t used 24 hours a day. During work hours, school days and at night, the activity in the average home tends to drop off. Fully heating your home all day long, especially when it’s empty, is a wasteful and unnecessary expense.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, proper use of programmable thermostats can save up to 10 percent on average for heating bills. Most contemporary units are relatively cheap, making them one of the most cost-effective energy-saving components to implement in your home.
Install or Replace Weatherstripping
Improperly sealed doors and windows can be a major source of air leaks, accounting for anywhere from seven to 12 percent of your home’s overall heat loss. Installing or replacing weatherstripping can help seal the edges of doors and windows, keeping heat from your HVAC system inside where it belongs.
Insulate Attic Doors
Everyone knows that heat rises. If there are any gaps in your insulation barrier, hot air can escape, increasing your heating system’s energy use. Ensure that your attic hatch or door is properly sealed to prevent conditioned air and heat energy from escaping into your attic. Use adhesive to attach insulation to the back side of the door and use a latch to firmly secure it to the door frame. Apply weatherstripping around the door or hatch edges.
Seal Electrical Boxes
Small leaks through electrical fixtures are common in most homes. Seal up electrical fixtures by applying acrylic latex caulk, using foam sealant for larger holes. Insert foam gaskets before replacing the cover plate to ensure a better seal.
Plug Gaps in Exterior Walls
Similar to electrical fixtures, electrical cables and gas lines that enter your home often have issues with outdoor air penetration. Close all electrical cable gaps carefully with expanding foam, or caulk for water pipes, to ensure a long-lasting seal around entry points.
Please contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc. for more expert energy-saving tips for your Dayton or Springfield area home.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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