Cleaning Out My Car

Energy efficiency is an important feature, especially when it comes to your windows. Making your windows energy efficient can cut your utility bills – by up to a third, according to Better Homes and Gardens. Such windows should be part of an overall energy efficiency plan in your home for maximum benefit, though. Implement such a plan in your home for more sustainable living as well as lowered utility bills.

Check your Seals

There's no point in trying to heat or cool the outdoors, yet that's what's happening with leaky seals. Do a thorough inspection of all exterior doors and windows, and repair any cracks. Likewise, look over your attic, and seal any gaps you find. While you're in the attic, check your insulation levels, which should at least meet local codes.  

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Possibly the best way to decrease your energy spending is by controlling when the heat and air conditioning runs. A programmable thermostat lets you set how and when your system runs. For example, many homeowners choose to keep the house much cooler at night, even in the winter. Programming such a thermostat also decreases the likelihood that the heat or cooling will run unchecked when you're not at home. Indeed, you can even set it for workday or vacation mode.

Apply Window Films

Sunlight is a good thing – until there's too much of it. Not only does too much sunlight cause damage to carpets and furniture, it increases your cooling bills. You could replace your windows entirely. However, if they're in good repair, this is an unnecessary expense. Instead, consider having home window tinting applied. As with your car, this consists of a film applied to the existing window. There are two major options for window tinting:

• Sun control: Blocks UV rays, helping reduce fading and maintain inside temperatures.
• Low-e: Increases the insulation value while controlling light.

The type of film you choose depends on your energy needs. All south-facing windows should have sun-control, but they don't necessarily need the insulation. If, however, heating adds significantly to your utility bills, consider the low-e films for all your windows since they offer both sun control and insulation.

Landscape for Energy Efficiency

Believe it or not, your landscaping can have in impact on your heating and cooling bills. By planting deciduous trees to the west and south of your house, you get shade all summer long. In the winter, though, the bare branches allow the sun through to warm up those rooms.

Let an energy efficiency plan decrease your heating and cooling bills. Click for more information or assistance.