Want to save a little bit of money?  Have you tried testing your home for energy efficiency?

If your home is an energy efficient home, you will notice a lesser use of power, saving you money as well as contributing to the environment’s wellbeing.

Here are a few tricks you can do to make your home an energy efficient home:

1. Check for air leaks.  By cutting out the drafts in your house, you can cut out 30% on your next energy bill, saving you a considerable amount of money over time.  Also, by reducing these drafts, you will reduce the chance of mold spores growing in your home causing illnesses.  Another advantage in checking for air leaks—your home will be at a more controlled temperature, reducing the need to use heating or air conditioning.

Remember that when checking for drafts, don’t forget to include some of these commonly missed areas:

  • Windows and window frames (If you can rattle your window, then it isn’t properly insulated)
  • Door frames
  • Baseboards
  • Fireplaces
  • Attic doors
  • Window air conditioning units
  • Electrical outlets
  • Light switch plates, and
  • Mail slots

2. Measure the amount of insulation in your attic.   It’s entirely possible that if you have less than the recommended amount of insulation, you are losing heat from the roof of your house.

3. Check your hot water heater.  Adding insulation traps heat in the cylinder instead of allowing heat to escape around the heater.

4. Check the ages of your appliances.  Older appliances are not as energy-efficient as newer appliances.  Appliances that you may want to consider replacing are those that are at least 15 years or older. If you choose to keep your older appliances, makes sure you maintain them so they operate as efficiently as possible.

5. Check your light bulbs.  Make sure you are using bulbs of the correct wattage for your appliances.  If you are using a bulb with a higher wattage than necessary, you are using more energy than you need to.  Consider swapping out regular light bulbs for compact florescent bulbs as well.

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