Are you looking to save money this spring? You probably think that with your air conditioner running non-stop it will be nearly impossible. But, Outstanding Plumbing is here to tell you why it’s not. Though the price of electricity has gone up in recent years, especially during the summer months, there are ways for you to make your home more energy efficient. The one improvement that produces the most significant result, is also the cheapest.
How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient in Smithtown
Did you know that a lack of insulation often accounts for the largest amount of energy loss in most homes? According to Energy Star, during the summer months, heat intrudes the home through the house’s envelope. This envelope includes all the ceilings, floors, outer walls, windows, and doors in your home. By sealing that envelope, you can lower your cooling costs by an average of 20%. That’s some significant savings! But it doesn’t stop there. USA Today reports that in the United States, homeowners can get up to a $500 tax credit on efficient doors, $200 on windows, and as much as $2,000 on a solar water heater.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s joint Energy Star efforts suggest that you should start your energy saving journey by doing an inspection of your home. Since most of the temperature exchange, and loss, occurs in your basement and attic, that’s a good place to start.
Attic Inspection in Smithtown
- Does your insulation look like it’s pretty worn down? If so, then it’s probably time to replace it.
- Also check your insulation for dirty or wet spots. If you see any, that’s a sign that air is passing through the insulation. Pull it back, and chances are you will find some holes.
- Look at the area where the roof meets the top of your house’s walls. Are there gaps where air is coming in from the outside?
- Finally, inspect any pipes that leave the home through the attic or roof. Are there gaps around them?
Basement or Crawl Space Inspection in Smithtown
- Inspect the area where the foundation meets the bottom of the walls. Check for gaps and spaces between the foundation and walls where pipes and ducts leave the basement.
- Pay attention to the rim joists (the wood or concrete columns that support the floor). Are there gaps there?
All of those gaps and holes is where air is escaping – air that you are paying for. By sealing them up, you could save bundles.
If there are areas in your home that need some serious attention, don’t hesitate to call the expert team here at Outstanding Plumbing!