Energy Upgrades That Save Us Money

Most of us are aware of how having an energy efficient home can save us money. By making several economical improvements at home we can control household spending and conserve energy.

Here are some suggestions that can save you money through energy upgrades:

Light bulbs

Using 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs, but having 10 to 20 times more longevity, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) can save you money and make your home energy efficient.

I have replaced 100-watt standard incandescent bulbs with 23-watt compact fluorescent lamps in all 20 light fixtures at home. With an average daily use of 8 hours, I save $232 on my electricity bill per year, using CFLs of $6.

Although the compact fluorescent lamps are more expensive - they can cost up to $15 - they produce 75 percent less heat, which makes them safer and more cost-effective in cooling. I'm also positive that the initial outlay will be depreciated as my electricity bill gets lower over time. I have estimated that the pay off period for using compact fluorescent lamps is 5 months.

Insulation

Insulation balances the flow of heat in your house. Heat flows naturally in all house areas, keeping the house cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Unless your house is specifically constructed for energy efficiency, you can considerably reduce your energy bills by adding insulation that meets the required standards in your area.

My house is 40 years old and it was inadequately insulated. I had moisture control issues that caused problems in the building envelope system as well as air leaks, unheated spaces on my basement and leaks on the knee walls of my attic.

After having insulated the walls, caveat walls, floors, basement and attic, I have reduced both my heating and cooling bills up to 40 percent. Insulation is a cost-effective home improvement that can save you money on energy spending.

Appliances

I have replaced my 20 years old furnace with an energy-efficient system. With the fuel costs soaring, I save money on the new Energy Star furnace because it uses up to 10 percent of natural gas and converts 90 percent of fuel energy into heat. With this high-efficiency energy system I save nearly 20 percent on my electricity bill, keeping my household spending in control.

Double glazing

Double glazing allows the heat to pass through your windows, but keeps the heat in the house, making your house warmer and quieter. You can also replace you old windows with storm or thermal windows or simply cover the inside of your old windows with plastic to reduce the transfer of heat and cold. By replacing your old windows with energy-efficient models, you can save up to 25 percent on both your heating and cooling costs. Double glazing is an economical improvement that can improve your personal finances.

Alternative ways of lowering your energy spending include: improve the efficiency of you heating system; set timers on your thermostat; set timers on lights; or replace your refrigerator, dishwasher, washer and dryer with Energy Star appliances. Any of these cost-effective energy upgrades will save you significant amounts of money over time.

Before you make any home energy improvements, you can arrange an energy audit for a professional advice on the biggest savings potential for your house. Alternatively, you can perform you own energy audit or request the evaluation of a specially-trained contractor.

Sources:

http://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/light_bulbs.htm

http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/insulation/ins_06.html

http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12530

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Home-improvements-and-products/Home-insulation-glazing/Glazing

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