Save Money on Your Energy Bill This Winter

Were you aware that heating and cooling your home accounts for 56% of the energy costs in a typical American Home?  As winter approaches and brings with it chilling temperatures, homeowners are looking for ways to avoid the heat of rising energy bills. At Keystone Home Inspections we know that many homeowners aren’t aware of how to reduce rising energy costs without losing the coziness of a warm heated home. You don’t have to suffer by turning your thermostat below 60 degrees or put on extra layers of clothes! Here are a few simple tips that the average homeowner can follow to keep rising energy bills at bay.

• Insulate your home. Insulation is a sort of force-field that can protect your home against high energy bills. Insulation minimizes heat loss in the winter and provides ventilation in the summer months to control moisture and make your home more comfortable. Leaky ductwork, plumbing and cable penetrations count for 10 to 30 percent of a home’s heat loss. Blown in cellulose insulation can knock 20 to 30 percent off your heating bill within a year and its fire resistant and pest resistant properties provide added protection for your home.
• Dial back your water heater. The Department of Energy reveals that 14 to 25 percent of our energy bill is used to heat the water in our hot water tanks. You can cut that cost substantially by turning back the dial to a lower heat setting. Setting your water heater dial back 10 degrees, saves 3 to 5 percent on your water heating costs. If you turn it back another 10 degrees you can cut another 3 to 5 percent and so on. Another great way to save on your energy bill and cut heat loss is to jacket your hot water heater and wrap hot water pipes.
• Cover your windows. Outdated windows account for a huge loss of heat during the winter months. Windows are literally big holes in your walls and let more heat out than in if they are not properly insulated. If you are able to update your windows from single pane double hung to double pane thermal windows you can save 16 to 21 percent annually on your heating costs. However, if you are unable to update your windows then you can create your own energy savings by affixing clear plastic sheeting to the interior opening of unused windows.
• Small changes go a long way. Closing doors and heating vents to little used rooms can cut down on heat loss. Ceiling fans that are reversed will help to circulate rising heated air downwards. If you insulate light switches and outlets, you can reduce heat loss and save on your energy bill.

Following these simple tips can keep you from sending your hard earned dollars out the door. These cost saving measures will not only keep you comfortable during the cold winter months but will help keep your investment protected for years to come.