Small Ways to Save BIG on Energy Bills

10/2/2014

Home improvement doesn’t come cheap. But, there are small things you can do to save you BIG money. I’m talking about reducing your energy costs by making your home more energy-efficient.

Instead of cranking up the thermostat, let’s concentrate on keeping the hot air you already have contained within your home.

DIY Projects

Here are 4 DIY projects you can do this weekend that will save you money every month (up to 20% off your energy bill):

1. Caulking – this is the cheapest thing you can do. Tubes typically cost less than $5 and will save you tons on your energy bill.

• A great place to start is to find the areas outside your home where you might have air conditioning lines, wiring, or plumbing coming into your home. For small cracks and gaps around wiring or piping, use the weatherproof caulk to seal the gaps. Also, look around the edges of your windows. If you have a brick house, there are probably several spots by the windows where air can flow in and out of your home.
• For any exterior air leaks or gaps greater than a quarter of an inch, use Expanding Foam Spray. It is easy to use. Just shake, attach the applicator, aim into the gaps, and pull down on the trigger. The foam expands into the gap and blocks it.
• For sealing gaps on the exterior of your home, smaller than a quarter-inch, use a good weather-proof caulk. You will need a caulk gun to dispense the caulk.
• Cut the tip-off of the caulking tube with a utility knife, take a nail or pin to pierce the center of the tube (where you just cut), squeeze the trigger and caulk those leaks and gaps. To seal leaking ductwork, use aluminum tape (mastic sealing). Click here for a how-to guide for sealing duct-work using mastic and mesh tape.

2. Insulation – will cost several hundred dollars to install and take several hours. This one is not really a small project, but if you really want to save on your energy bills, you will need to insulate your home. If you do make major insulation changes, call your trusted HVAC professional to assess the ventilation balance of your system.

3. Programmable Thermostat – easy to install, inexpensive, and will save you lots of moolah. You can even get WiFi thermostats so you can monitor and adjust the temperature in your home with your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Programmable thermostats are going to be your best friend, as the temperature will adjust when you aren’t there, improving energy efficiency and saving you money annually!

4. New Filters – cost less than $10 (usually) and can last up to 90 days. Some warranties even require periodic filter changes. You should change your filter every 30-90 days. Both the efficiency and quality of your HVAC system will improve when you change the filters in your air conditioner and furnace. The air filter in your furnace is located in its blower compartment or possibly in a return air grill in your wall. If you have trouble locating your air filter, call your local Service Legends technician for help.

Service Legends cares about your comfort. We’re the world-class provider of residential home services such as Heating, Air Conditioning, Geothermal, and Indoor Air Quality. Our goal is always comfort, reliability, and peace of mind in your home.

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Heating and Cooling Des Moines Since 1997

At Service Legends, we take pride in heating and cooling Des Moines and the surrounding areas. Our HVAC services include furnace and air conditioner installation, repairs, maintenance, and tune-ups. Our lineup of Indoor Air Quality solutions includes whole-home humidifiers, air purifiers, and air filtration systems. We can even help with HVAC financing.

Call 515-657-6634 to contact our Home Comfort Heroes today. We’re standing by 24/7.

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