Friday, March 29, 2024

Crisp and Cool Outside, Warm and Cozy Inside!

October 30, 2012  
Filed under Blog

Tips to Enjoy the Change in the Weather Without Breaking the Bank  
 

WInter wear girl the fix it professionals john silvaNow that the weather is turning chilly, it’s time to consider taking steps to make sure your power bill doesn’t give you sticker shock! While there are many things to consider, let’s start with some simple basics to keep your costs in line while making sure you stay nice and cozy.
 
Basics like turning off the lights when you are not in the room, unplugging appliances when not in use, line drying your clothes and making sure your television is set to home use (rather than store display) will save you power any time of the year.
 
Sometimes, however you need to invest a little bit to save in the long term. Here are 4 things you can do that, while they may have an upfront cost, will save you money over the long term.
 
1. Arrange for an energy audit of your home. A certified energy rater can help you identify major sources of heat loss that the average homeowner would be unable to detect. An audit can cost between $300 and $500, however you could easily recover that in savings over the course of a year or two if a major hear leak is discovered.
 
2. Have a programmable thermostat installed. This can be a very inexpensive way to control your home’s temperature and make sure you are not wasting power by heating an empty home or forgetting to turn down the heat at night.
 
3. Upgrade your furnace. If your furnace is so old that it doesn’t have an energy rating listed, it may make sense to replace it, especially if it isn’t working correctly. If you have insulated your home and sealed windows and doors well, as suggested in my last article, you may be able to have a smaller furnace installed, which could save you even more energy.
 
4. Purchase more efficient appliances. Your refrigerator, water heater and television use a significant amount of power. If your refrigerator was manufactured before 2000, replacing it could greatly reduce your power bill. Replacing an electric water heater with an energy efficient gas model could save you money. And any television that was made before 2010 was manufactured before they were required to have a power rating resulting in large units that are energy hogs. An energy star rated unit will use 30% less power and will also help you lower your bill.
 
Once your home is properly insulated, your windows and doors have weather stripping, and you’ve replaced energy hog appliances, you will be warmer and your pocket book will be happier all winter long!
 
When it’s time to install a new appliance or a new thermostat, consider that some jobs should be handled by a professional. If you are unfamiliar with wiring, or even if you are, a licensed electrician is always your best option. Did you know that The Fix It Professionals has a licensed electrician? (That would be me) So if you need help installing a new water heater, putting in a new thermostat or even some help around the house getting ready for winter, give me a call. (Please Remember that we charge a bit more for electrical work, since it is a licensed service.)

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