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Reduce Energy Costs


Reducing Energy Costs 

Today's increasing energy costs, shrinking budgets and stagnant wages are a growing concern. For those of us living in the more extreme climates that require extra heating in the winter months or relief from the blazing summer heat, there are tricks that increase comfort and lower the bills. Click to view: Part 1 of this 3-part series.

Any window facing south is an asset during the winter. Make the most of the sun’s free energy and warm up your home by keeping the drapes and blinds fully open when the window receives direct sunlight, closing them when it doesn’t – especially in rooms you don’t use all that often. Washing both sides of the windows just before winter sets in ensures that film and dust do not impede the sun's rays. The opposite is true for summer – whenever a window is exposed to direct sun, it is helpful to close the blinds or curtains. We have used sheets of hot water tank insulation to seal off windows that receive direct sun in rooms we didn’t use much or didn’t use during the day. We also did this for our camper trailer. It is reflective and adds insulation against the terrible heat in the peak of summer.

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It makes no sense to risk fire just so that you can heat up the bottom of a couch or blow the warm air up a curtain and fog up the window potentially causing mould issues - vent deflectors will divert air to where it is needed. Keep furniture and drapes off of heating vents and far away from electric heaters and fans.

If your furnace is more than 5-8 years old you will want it inspected and cleaned every year. Be sure the furnace filters are changed regularly – we have a reusable filter with a couple disposable ones for backup that we use once a month while cleaning the reusable one. Turn the temperature or air conditioner down when you are out of the house, on vacation or asleep. The use of a programmable thermostat makes this feat much easier to accomplish. The ducting should be cleaned every few years to keep the air you breathe clean and to allow the air to flow efficiently. Periodically take the time to remove the vent covers and vacuum where you can easily reach and cleaning the vent covers before replacing. A similar maintenance is needed for electric fans and air conditioning units.
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These are just a few inexpensive ways for you to save some money every year that you live or work in that space. You can feel pride in that you are a conscious and responsible consumer of resources. You will also feel more comfortable in your warm, draft-free environment. To learn more simple changes that can have a big impact on your budget and the health of the planet check out our Trash Talk book series.




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