Making your home more energy efficient

Making your home more energy efficient will save you money every month on your energy bills. The less energy you use, the less you pay. In addition, you are helping the environment because less energy needs to be produced. There are many things you can do to save energy, some simple and inexpensive, some more complicated and expensive.

One of the easiest things you can do is to replace your standard light bulbs with longer lasting more enegry efficient power compact bulbs. This will help you save on average $70 per year.

It sounds simple, but make sure that when you leave the room you turn off the lights. If you are not going to be spending time in a particular room, then it makes no sense to leave the lights on, and running up your bills.

Check and replace the weather stripping on your windows and doors. This is a simple and inexpensive way to help reduce energy costs. It can help all year around for both heating and air conditioning

Upgrading all your appliances to today's more energy efficient models will save you on your electric bills. Examples of common appliances that can drain your pocket book are:

- Dishwasher
- Clothes Washer
- Dryer

Wood-burning fireplaces are notorious for increasing energy bills. Even with the flue closed, if the fireplace is not adequately sealed then your heating dollars are probably floating up and out of the chimney.

Purchasing and having energy efficient windows installed can help save money and make your home more energy efficient. There are a lot of different windows available on the market so make sure that you shop around for a good price, get quotes from multiple companies for not only the price of the windows but for the installation too, and do a little research on the quality and efficiency of the windows you are looking to buy. You will be surprised at how much the quotes from multiple companies for the same product will range.

Install a thermostat with a timer function. Set the thermostat to lower the temperature during the day when no one is home, and raising the temperature to a comfortable level 30 minutes before you get home is a sound way to save on energy costs.

Adding insulation to existing walls is a huge energy saver. It will help keep you house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. There are Do It Yourself kits on the market that allow the homeowner to insulate there existing walls quite easily. If you are not the DIY type there are many insulation companies that can do the job for you as well. Either way the end result will be a more energy efficient house that will save you money over time.

Any Energy Star efficient appliances you end up using in your home also nets you a percentage in tax credits. Roofing, siding, HVAC systems and insulation that are Energy Star efficient can obtain up to 10% of the cost as a tax credit.

For a more energy efficient home, seal against air leaks. Properly size your heating and cooling equipment. Properly design and seal your duct system. Insulate, use energy efficient windows and energy efficient lighting.

Consider adding solar panels to your roof. In some areas there are government subsidies to help defray the cost. Although the cost may be high, you will offset the purchase price over time by reduced energy bills. Also, you will be helping to use a renewable energy source with no harmful emissions.

» DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article on 'Making your home more energy efficient' is a collection of contributions by licensed mortgage professionals and is not the opinion of Broker Outpost LLC. Always consult a licensed professional before applying for a mortgage.