Save Energy, Save Money, Live Better!
In a recent post, I talked about the Energy Efficient Mortgage, or EEM for short. In order to qualify, a certified energy rater must come to the home and look in specific areas to determine the home’s efficiency. What exactly are they looking for? An energy envelope that is efficient and free of leaks. A […]
Its happened to everyone. A few months out of the year, you either slip up and use too much energy, or need to use more energy out of necessity. Winter months in a cold climate, or the summer months in warmer climates are the classic examples. Budget payments offered by the utility companies give you […]
There is a debate in the home energy community over what to do if given the choice between using a microwave oven to cook versus a gas powered range. My obvious advice is this: it really depends on what is being cooked and how much is being prepared. All meals are not created equally.
With harsh economic times upon us, smart homeowners and even renters are turning to their energy bills as a source of potential savings. Let’s look at 3 dirt simple tips (or steps) that are proven to save money on energy. Turn down the thermostat in the winter. Chances are you’ve heard this tip before. Turning […]
Right now, it’s a real buyer’s market out there. Interest rates are very low (if you can get approved) and real estate prices are plummeting. New home construction and remodeling have stopped. And the economy is still trying to shake off the cold, so to speak. So, ideally, if you are looking for a new […]
A general question that gets asked more often than you think is “because of the recent crappy credit market (and weak economic climate) what will happen to my energy bills? Will they increase?” The answer, unfortunately, is a sound “I don’t know.” Givent he current market conditions, and weak economic forecast with signs of continued […]
Finding and setting the optimal temperature may be a science in itself. You have to take into account the heat you use with your comfort level based on your activity. For example is it necessary to have the heat turned way up at night while you’re asleep in your bed? Do you need the heat […]
There’s an argument to be made for cleaning your heat registers…actually, there’s several. First, there’s the energy argument. In theory, especially in forced air systems, air flow is reduced as heat or air registers become clogged and otherwise dirty. Anything that reduces airflow has the potential for jacking up your energy bills because the furnace […]
This is kind of a double edge sword. You can save on heating costs if you spend a lot of time, say, in the living room and you already took steps to plug energy holes you found. Like I said previously, its impossible to get every hole or energy shortcoming. The thing to be wary […]
If you have a floor or desktop fan, use the oscillate feature. They circulate the air much better than a fan that’s blowing or moving air in one direction.