As the weather is getting cooler and energy bills across the country are on a rise (in the state of TN they have raised in the past year) homeowners (and renters for that matter) may find their energy bills are getting more and more frightful.
Sure you could just suck it up and pay more or just complain about it. However, I suggest a more proactive approach, take matters into your own hands and get a good gun and shoot down the energy costs yourself. A good gun is one of the best purchases you will ever make in lowering your energy bills; a good caulking gun that is.
In a home air leaks are perhaps the biggest cause of energy loss (read more about air leaks and how to do a DYI Home Energy Audit here).
With just a simple caulk gun (about $5) and several tubes of caulk (polyurethane is often recommended) you are loaded and ready to seal up air leaks. Leaks and cracks can be found in many places and below is a good list of places to start:
- Around windows
- Around Doors
- Electrical outlet entrances
- Phone lines
- Cable and satellite lines
- Outdoor water faucets and nozzles
- Around dryer vents
- Around HVAC systems
- Around Fans and vents
- Brick, siding, foundation
- At corners of home (especially anywhere two different types of materials are found)
In the State of TN you can expect to save up to $270 in yearly energy bills simply by caulking and adding insulation. Be sure to check back soon for additional information about insulating your home.
Christine McInerney and Jennifer Halinkowski - Knoxville TN Real Estate - Keller Williams Realty Knoxville Copyright © 2009
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Small and simple steps all add up. Just turning off lights and unplugging unused chargers can help quite a bit. Not to mention limiting big screen TV viewing. Those things are vampires on energy.
Great Tips!
*Smiling at your clever title* I'm gonna post this on Facebook.
Don't forget to open windows once a day to get some fresh air in the home. Many studies have shown indoor air to be more polluted than outdoor air (unless you have some sort of highly efficient air filter). Other tips beside sealing yourself in a bubble:
- Add large area rugs in winter over those hard floors (tile, marble, wood, laminate...)
- Add window treatments installed close to windows. This will reduce dramatically the heat exchange near windows
- Use your ceiling fans (reverse their rotation) to push downwards the hot air trapped near the ceiling
- Lower the thermostat at night and use efficient ceramic heaters in the rooms you use the most. No need to heat up the whole place when you are confined to a few rooms.
- Cuddle up with your significant other, your pet...
Thanks for the tips - don't forget the programmable thermostats... they are great!!
I got rid of all my incandescent light bulbs over 25 years ago. It has saved me a ton of money.
I remember doing this when I lived in Michigan. It certainly does make a difference !
Well you had me with the title. When it comes to energy policy in this country there are some people that need shooting.
Yep! The title got me and then the content was right there as well. Great post.
Hercel Spears
www.HERCEL.com
Only heat rooms that are being used... and wear more clothes!!!!
Or-- you could move to Arizona-- Phoenix Metro area-- for a winter that seldom hits the frost mark. I know a coupla good Realtors (smile) who could help you get settled!
All great additional tips for keeping the energy costs down. The month of October is Energy Awarness Month so it is good to get the word out.
Your right on target with air infiltration as one of the biggest energy wasters in a home. Caulking is a good start, but will not address all the less conspicuous areas of air infiltration. Hiring professionals like energy auditors and air sealing and insulation companies will have in the long riun a bigger impact on a homes energy usage than a DIY caulk job.
Christine & Jennifer, You are right on target with that one. It is amazing how much energy is lost through windows, doors and other cracks and crevices ☺☺☺
James, yes you are very right a professional energy auditer will help out a lot, especailly in IDing leaks in duct work and other more hidden areas.
Good post, and very timely with the chilly weather coming!
Great suggestion and a very inexpensive fix with a high return.
Christine, at first I thought this was a call to arms against those energy CEOs who are driving up the prices. Cute title.
Thanks for the reminder since it's been quite cold here in Michigan already.