Does anyone have any nifty thrifty ideas or things they have done to winterize their home and/or lessen gas or energy bills... Keep in mind that I have somewhat limited funds I can't immediately do engage in any elaborate projects but I'll keep them in mind if you can suggest any. Anything that can cut down on my spending or any energy efficient appliances, BE SPECIFIC, as I mentioned in my previous question I'm a babe in the woods on this one I might not understand all the mumbo jumbo and terminology. Bear with me please and once serious answers only please! Thanks and GOD bless!
2006-10-30 14:40:51 · 6 answers · asked by Rick R 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
1)Put clear plastic over your windows. Three M Co . and others sell it through hardware stores, Home Depot, WalMart, etc.
2) Find a reputable company that will blow insulation into your attic. Find out what "R" factor they promise you. Ask them if the state has a rebate program for energy efficiency.
3)Caulk around the windows, door frames, and in any holes or openings inthe siding or brick, etc. , around exterior faucets and vent pipes.
2006-10-30 14:59:14 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The biggest energy uses are heating and cooling. So, for your AC and furnace, check that your house is as well insulated and sealed up as possible. If you have access to the attic, check that the insulation is thick. If not, you can add more on top of the old insulation. Ask your building supply store for advice. Have the AC and furnace checked for any needed tune-up service (good for periodic safety check too). Ovens, stove, toasters, coffee makers, water heaters, anything that heats: These things typically have wattages 10+ times those of lights, so consider their use. A microwave will go at 1000 watts for a minute versus an electric burner will do that or more for several minutes to acheive similar results. Gas appliances are often more efficient when you have the option to choose. TV's eat lots of electrons. Keeping the TV off will probably do more than switching to compact fluorescents. Unless you keep your whole house lit up all the time, lighting is really a minor component in the big picture, and incandescents can be dimmed. (They also don't contain mercury like fluorescents, but that's a separate issue.)
2016-05-22 14:20:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I plastic all my windows with shrink window kits You can usually buy one for 5 windows for around $11.00. Caulk all cracks where drafts come in. Use a hot water heater wrap so you don't have to have the temperature up hot. Also wrap your pipes with insulating foam wraps.keep your thermostat on 68 degrees. I also use timers for lights and appliances. Hope this gave u a few ideas they are all pretty much inexpensive.
2006-10-30 14:48:51 · answer #3 · answered by Nuthouse 4456 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Weather stripping is your friend! Make sure to go over all the doors in your house that lead outside. Even if the seal looks good it will not hurt to apply a fresh seal.
Something I do is close the vents in my bathrooms, this way when the heater kicks on it will divert more air into the bedrooms and living area. Seriously, who cares if its a bit chilli in the bathroom?
2006-10-30 14:48:44 · answer #4 · answered by kimchee_boi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Solar panels, some states pay as much as 3/4 of the price.
Generator, one that could be hooked up to an exerciser bike or one that just generates electricity on its own.
A well could bring electricity. Use less electricity around the house. If you go on your computer a lot don't turn it off at night. It takes more energy to turn it off and on again in the morning. Go to Best Buy or something and ask them if they could give you ideas
PS please award best answer
2006-10-30 14:54:56 · answer #5 · answered by WhizMaster 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turn down your water heater to just below the middle point.
Install florecent bulbs instead of standard ones..this is the best.
Close all unused rooms during the day....and turn heater down to about 70*...and wear a sweater....75* at night and extra blankets.
Use motion detector lights outside so they are not on all night...only if something approaches.
If you are going to be gone on the weekends..use a timer for lights for a couple of hours...so they are not on all weekend and it looks like someone is home.
weather strip any outside doors. and buy one of those spray insulation foam thingys to fill the gaps of the outlets that are on the outside walls.
2006-10-30 14:56:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋