KATHY'S HOME & GARDEN TIPS - MORE ENERGY SAVERS
Last week we talked about
saving electricity in our home offices. This week let's discuss saving on heating. As we all know we have some of the highest
natural gas rates in Chicago
as well as electricity.
Buy a programmable
thermostat. It will keep your home temperature lower when you are not at home.
Plug air leaks! This can
save up to 20% on your heating costs. Use foam and caulking to seal up gaps and
cracks. Put weather stripping on windows and doors. Insulate pipes and ductwork.
If you don't have enough
handyman experience, it might be advantageous to hire a professional energy
auditor. This can cost $250-$700. They
will detect where air is entering your home using various devices. The amount of energy savings will pay for
this in the long run and increase your home's value.
Replacing expensive items
such as windows and furnaces should only be done if these items are at the end
of their useful life. Spending thousands to replace windows is not very cost-effective.
Even the most energy efficient windows will still lose heat. You're not going
to see the energy savings that window manufacturers promise.
Here are some additional online
resources for you:
Energy Star do-it-yourself guide to sealing
air leaks
State incentives for energy efficiency and
renewable energy
Alliance to save energy
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH
& DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
