Home Energy Savings
Today was a beautiful spring day here in Las Vegas, so I pulled my shorts from the closet for the first time this year. Before we know it, the dog days of summer will be upon us.
From time to time, my clients ask about ways to save money on their energy bills. In these cases, I perform a simple energy audit for them. It’s not difficult, and actually anyone can do it themselves.
I try to do the audits in the spring, preferably on a windy day. It’s easier to find any air leaks when the wind is blowing, and it allows time for any repairs to be completed before air conditioners start working overtime.
TOP TEN LIST OF MONEYSAVING TIPS! 
1. Check for air leaks around windows , doors, electrical outlets, switch covers, and baseboards. You can save 25 percent on energy use by decreasing or eliminating these types of leaks. The best way to solve leakage around windows & doors is to add sweeps and weather stripping. Air leaks around outlets and switch covers can be fixed by taking off the covers and sealing around the box with spray foam insulation. This is one of the most common places that air enters or escapes.
2. Check that any weather stripping is in its proper place and doing its job. If it’s cracked or shows signs of dry rot, it needs to be replaced.
3. Check for windows that rattle. Where there is a rattle, there is a gap and therefore an air leak. Installation of weather stripping may be needed, if the leaks are really bad. The window may need replaced.
4. Check the quantity of insulation in the home, especially the attic. Energy Star recommends insulating your attic to r38, or 10 to 14 in. thick.
5. Check the wattage of light bulbs. Lighting can account for about 10 percent of energy costs. (Energy efficient, long life fluorescent are the best option and they can mean huge savings in the long run.)
6. Look for damaged stucco on the outside of the house. Any cracks or holes should be patched or caulked.
7. Look for gaps where pipes and/or wires enter the house. Seal any gaps with foam or caulking.
8. Check all toilets and faucets for slow leaks. If leaks are found replace the flapper of the fill valve on the toilet and the washer or cartridge on the faucet.
9. Check the hot water heater in the garage to see if it’s wrapped with insulation. Adding insulation can reduce heat loss by 25%–35%. This will save you about 3%–8% in water heating costs.
10. Check the hot water pipes in the attic to see if they’re wrapped with insulation. Newer homes are easier to inspect because the Wirsbo lines are red.
The main thing to remember here is that every little bit helps. It’s not that difficult to find ways to save money, and you don’t have to break the bank to get started!
Comment from David
Time March 22, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Weatherstripping is the least expensive, simplest and most effective way of saving energy. It finds use in doors, windows and any other movable elements which can be responsible for the lost of energy.
In the winter it keeps warm air inside of the building and in summer provides effective barrier against the warm air from the outside. In nutshell, weatherstripping guarantee that there will be no waste off energy in your household.