According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for 50% to 70% of the energy used in a typical home. Given what’s happening with oil prices,  it is  crazy not to make your home  as energy efficient as possible. Here are some tips to help save energy this winter, some do not cost anything, while others can get pretty pricey.  The tough part is figuring out the point where the return of lower energy costs will offset the up-front expense, what’s most energy efficient isn’t always what’s most cost efficient.

1. Call for your free energy audit: if you live in Rhode Island, you’ve already paid for it in the conservation charge in your National Grid bill.  The EnergyWise program (1-888-633-7947) conducts two-hour visits in homes to look for ways to improve energy efficiency.  RISE Engineering performs about 80 audits a week, generally two to three weeks after the requests come in they usually will recommend such fixes as:
2. Seal existing air leaks in ductwork and around windows, doors and lights.
3.  Add insulation in the attic, basement and anywhere else you can.
4. Turn off lights and appliances when not in use: phone chargers, computers, printers and other electronics suck energy even when off, by plugging them into a power strip that you can shut off all at once.
5. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents can cut lighting costs by up to 75 percent.
6. Insulate your hot water pipes will keep water hotter and reduces heat loss.
7. Look for the Energy Star label on any new appliances, building materials, and electronics, they are 25 to 45 %more efficient. www.energystar.gov  has  a list of qualified products.
8. Use a programmable thermostats: that keeps the heat low or air conditioning off when you’re away
9. Set your hot water heater at 120 degrees
10. Set the refrigerator between 36-38 degrees and the freezer between zero and 5 degrees.
11. Tune up your boiler or furnace.
12. Upgrade windows and glass doors to double-paned, insulated models.
13. Install solar shades on windows and glass doors.
14. Install a clean-burning, wood stove or fireplace insert.
15. Replace your hot  water heater with an on-demand tankless heater.
    

This Week’s Real Estate Insight:
While there is not much anyone can do about lowering the price of fuel this winter,  With a few quick changes and fixes, you can save on  home heating bills.

 

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