8 Energy Saving Tips for Your Windows and Home (Part 2)

In part 1, we covered how to save money on your energy bill by stopping window drafts, using the sun to heat your home through your windows, fixing window leaks, and adjusting the temperature on your thermostat for when you aren’t home. In part 2, we have the last four energy savings tips that are recommended by energy.gov.#5: Heater MaintenanceJust like your car, your heater needs regular maintenance to run correctly. A heater that is not running correctly will increase the amount it costs to run it, and no homeowner wants that.To save money on your heating bill in the winter, have your heater serviced in the fall or even in the winter as soon as you remember that it needs it.#6: Tending the FireIf you have a fireplace in your home, you could be losing heat from your home up the chimney. Whenever you don’t have a fire going keep the fireplace damper closed, or if you never have a fire going then have the fireplace plugged and sealed.Also check around the hearth inside and around the chimney outside for any holes from the mortar aging and breaking away. Any holes that you do find can be filled with caulking.#7: Water HeaterDid you know that your water heater is the source of 14%-25% of the total energy usage in your home?To save money on this large chunk of usage, all you need to do is turn down the temperature of your hot water tank. Ideally it should be set to 120F, that way you save money and still get to enjoy hot water.#8: Choosing the Right Christmas LightsEnergy efficiency wasn’t even a word when the Christmas lights that are on most homes were made. Today though, there are two types of energy-efficient Christmas lights that will save homeowners money on their December energy bill.First, there are now solar Christmas lights. These lights don’t need to be plugged in as they are charged by the sunlight, and they turn on as soon as the sun goes down. Because they use sunlight for power, you won’t get charged to the extra energy usage for these lights on your utility bill.Second, you can now buy Christmas lights that use LED bulbs. These bulbs cost less to run than older bulbs so your January utility bill will be a little cheaper after the holidays.For more energy saving tips visit energy.gov or for a huge energy saving tip come see us about energy-efficient windows.