“Building a green home from scratch makes a great deal of sense because we know what products, techniques and designs are most environmentally friendly. However, the majority of people already have homes and reality dictates, to be green, they have to improve the efficiency of their homes in an incremental manner. Our craftsmen spend much of their time helping homeowners improve their homes, making them more efficient,” says Gretchen Hintz of Handyman Connection.
Where Dollars are Saved or Lost: Air Flow • Water • Electricity
With existing homes, the place(s) to start are where your home comes in contact with the elements. Simply speaking, air and water and the energy it takes to manage them is where immediate changes can save you money, making your home more green and efficient in the process.
Programmable Thermostats
The use of programmable thermostats to regulate your home’s temperature in both summer and winter can reduce your heating and cooling requirements, saving you up to 6% of your heating/cooling expense. Pre-programmed settings when you are asleep or away can contribute greatly to energy reduction without diminishing your comfort.
Windows
Replacing your windows can be expensive. However, fixing old, leaky windows and window sills can save you up to 6% of your heating cost. And, you will also eliminate drafts that cause your heating and cooling systems to work overtime.
Doors
As time goes on, gaskets and seals around doors can harden and become less effective in protecting the interior of your home from the elements. Just updating these door seals can contribute greatly to saving on your heating costs.
Insulate Hot Water Pipes
Most homes do not have their hot water pipes wrapped in insulation, which translates to cooling water every minute of the day. Each time you have to reheat the water in the pipes it costs you money that is reflected in your electric or gas bill.
Taking all of the above actions will greatly enhance not only the comfort of your home, but will also reduce your monthly bills and increase its value!
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