Lower Your Heating and Cooling Bills
Apply Caulk
Caulking tiny cracks and crevices around a house can save hundreds of dollars on heating and cooling bills. Just be sure to check package directions -- many caulks need to be applied when the outside temperature is above 50 degrees.
Where to caulk:
- Around plumbing pipes, gas pipes, electrical wiring, dryer vents, etc., where they enter the house.
- Caulk joints anywhere two surfaces meet. Where bricks, chimney or trim meet the siding. Around window and door frames.
Maintain Your Furnace
A licensed professional should service your unit before each heating season. However, it's never too late. Regular check-ups will keep a furnace running at 100 percent efficiency and will add years to the life of the appliance.
Also:
- Clean permanent furnace and air conditioning filters or replace disposable filters monthly, or as recommended by the manufacturer of the filter. This will also help extend the life of your appliance.
- Close off radiators or registers and close hoods to unused rooms to save on heating and cooling.
- Seal and cover window air conditioners in winter months.
- Have furnace tested for combustion efficiency every two years.
Be Sure Your Insulation Is Up to Snuff
Check with your local building department to see what the recommended "R" value is for your part of the country and bring your home up to these recommendations. Heat rises, so first place to check and add insulation is in the attic. Also, install foam insulating gaskets under all exterior electrical outlet and switch plates.
