Save Money By Making Your Home Energy Efficient

With energy prices going up, it's important to know that there are ways to save money on your energy bill, keep your home comfortable, and use less energy.

Being energy efficient has another big benefit: it helps the environment. If you use less energy, power plants that burn oil, coal, or natural gas will pollute the air less. Pollution from these sources can lead to lung diseases, smog, and acid rain, and it can also change the climate around the world.

The Consumer Federation of America suggests these ways to be good to the environment and save energy at home.

1. Fix your home's air leaks. Replace the weather stripping and caulk around the windows and doors. All plumbing and electrical service openings on the outside should be caulked and weatherproofed. Look for other openings that need to be sealed, like attic vents and ducts.
2. Clean or replace the air filters in your home's heating and cooling system on a regular basis. A dirty air filter can cause equipment to break down and cause your energy costs to go up. It's also a good idea to have a professional check your systems once a year. With regular maintenance, problems can be found early on.
3. Use light bulbs and fixtures with the Energy Star label, which is the government's symbol for saving energy. This kind of lighting uses two-thirds less energy and can last up to ten times longer.
4. Put in a thermostat that you can programme. It will change the temperature on its own to meet your needs for comfort at different times of the day or week. When set up and used right, a programmable thermostat can save you up to $100 a year.

With the right amount of insulation and good air sealing, you can save up to 10% on your energy bills. And if you need new windows, look for ones that are energy-efficient so that your home stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.