Simple Energy Efficient Improvements All Homeowners Should Do
Many homeowners finally acknowledge just how much of a threat global warming is. Because they want to do their part to save the environment, they do major changes in their life, such as exchanging their current vehicle for a hybrid one. What they fail to realize is that little changes make a big impact as well, and that they should start with doing these first. In fact, they should start making changes in their own homes. Most homeowners spend a fortune on energy bills but they waste a lot of energy. They can help save the planet by doing simple home improvements that save energy and save money as well.
Change The Front Door
Many homes have wooden front doors. While there is nothing wrong with a door made of wood for the house?s entrance, it is not the best choice in terms of energy efficiency. Homeowners can swap their wooden door for one with a steel skin and foam core, which is the more energy efficient alternative.????? Who knew going green can be as easy as changing one?s door?
Add Insulation
Homeowners can also go green by adding insulation to their humble abodes. A well-insulated house is not only energy efficient but also more comfortable to reside in, as it stays warm in the winter and remains cool in the summer. Insufficient insulation can result to the loss of about 20% of either cooled or heated air. Signs of inadequate insulation include mold problems, and having walls and floors which are cold to the touch during the winter season.
It is important to note that proper installation is key to guaranteeing energy efficiency. Improperly installed insulation is just as bad as insufficient insulation. Hence, homeowners should carefully follow instructions when undertaking this specific home improvement project.
Seal Cracks with Caulk
Sometimes, well-insulated homes still lose energy because cooled or heated air leaks through cracks in the home. These air leaks can cause an increase of about 30% to heating and cooling costs. Often, the cracks can be found around windows and door frames. To keep preventing cooled or heated air from escaping, homeowners should seal the cracks using caulk. Caulking compounds are rather inexpensive and the savings homeowners will get for addressing the air leakage problem is quite hefty. There are different kinds of caulking compounds to be used for different cracks, so homeowners must choose what they buy carefully.
Use Weatherstripping
Since air often leaks from window and door frames, homeowners should also use weatherstripping to keep their homes as energy efficient as possible. Windows that hold air conditioning units should be a special consideration. Just like caulk, weatherstripping is available in various kinds ?it comes in different depths and widths. It is necessary for homeowners to choose the right type of weatherstripping for its specific location. To find out how much weatherstripping is necessary for the project, the homeowner should add the perimeters of all the doors and windows to be weatherstripped. Then, he or she should add a 5-10% allowance for the waste.
About the Author
We Do Boxes is the UK?s choice supplier of packing boxes. The author of this article is one of the company?s regular contributors.
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Source: http://www.greenwerkspro.com/simple-energy-efficient-improvements-all-homeowners-should-do/
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