Each year, the typical American family drops more than $1,600 on home utility bills, the bulk of it wasted, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Nearly half of the money goes for heating and cooling costs.
As the economic crunch continues, it has become even more important for families to find ways to save money while conserving energy. Some methods are simple, no-cost fixes while others might have a minor cost that’s easily recouped in lower bills.
Here are a few worth considering. Remember to find a reputable and licensed contractor if you can’t do the job yourself.
Let the sun shine
The south side is the warmest part of your house, so let the free heat in. Open blinds and drapes when it’s sunny to maximize heat retention. Close them in the evening to keep it inside. And keep the windows clean, too.
Furnace
Change the filter at least monthly. Avoid costly thick filters because they can suffocate the furnace by impeding airflow.
Air ducts
Check for leaks that send precious heat into uninsulated areas and cover them. Avoid cloth-backed, rubber adhesive duct tape, which fails quickly. Instead, use items such as foil tape. Insulating ducts in the basement means it will get colder there.
Attic
You’ve heard about properly insulating the attic — the recommended insulation R-value, which is the heat resistance, in Colorado is R-49 — but don’t forget to insulate the hatch door, too.
Dryer
Consider an indoor dryer vent for your electric dryer that uses a water bucket to capture lint. Not only do you keep heat inside the home, but the added humidity is a real plus, too. Be sure the area has a carbon-monoxide sensor mounted near the floor. Do not consider indoor venting for gas dryers. Also, be cautious of warping or mold that the additional humidity from indoor venting from an electric dryer might cause.
Water faucets
Not only cover the spigots with inexpensive insulated caps, but caulk the area around the pipe where it enters the home.
Skylights
They’re wonderful sources of natural light and heat, but aging can mean seals have worn and leak precious warm air. Make sure they are double-pane units. Consider covering the opening with plastic film.
Water heater
Wrapping it in blanket insulation is important, but so is draining a quart of water from it every three months to ensure sediment isn’t impeding proper operation. Check the owner’s manual on how to do this and use caution; the water is likely scalding.
Chimney and fireplace
Be sure the flue and damper, key locations of heat loss, are closed tightly when not in use. Seal any gaps in the roof flashing next to the chimney and any cracks in masonry. Consider a heat exchanger in the fireplace that pushes heated air inside.
Radiators
Hot-water radiators need to be bled of air. Be sure to use heat-resistant radiator reflectors between the unit and exterior walls.
David Migoya: 303-954-1506 or dmigoya@denverpost.com
This article has been corrected in this online archive. Originally, it did not distinguish between electric and gas dryers when suggesting an indoor venting technique. Gas dryers should never be vented inside a home, and homeowners should be cautious of warping or mold that the additional humidity from indoor venting from an electric dryer might cause.
