Save Money and Make Your Maine Home More Comfortable with These Efficiency Tips (Part 2)

In last week’s blog, we looked at four ways to cut your home energy bill and keep your home more comfortable by improving efficiency in your home. Today, we’ll explore four more great ways to make your home more efficient and comfortable in any season.

1. Install a programmable thermostat – By controlling the temperature of your throughout the day – turning it down at night and when you’re not home, for example – you can save up to 10 percent on your energy bills each year, according to energy.gov.
2. Tweak or upgrade your windows – Weatherizing your windows can save you up to 10 percent on your bills in winter and summer with a minimal investment of money and effort. Installing storm windows will save you even more. And if you really want to invest, try replacing your single pane windows with Energy Star® rated double pane windows, which only cost about $20/$25 per window more than regular double pane windows and deliver considerable efficiency improvements.
3. Tweak or upgrade your hot water system – Three great tweaks to your hot water system include:
   • Turning down the temperature of your water heater to 120°F rather than the higher manufacturer’s default temperature (if you don’t know how to, just ask).
   • Insulate at least the first six feet of hot water pipe or more away from your water heater.
   • Use low-flow fixtures for showers and baths. Today’s fixtures use about half the water that fixtures did that were made before 1990 – so if your fixtures are old, replace them.

   If you can make the investment, upgrading to a propane-fired conventional or tankless water heater will pay for itself in just a few years – less if you’re replacing an inefficient electric water heating system.

4. Research other ways to save – Tax incentives and manufacturer specials are often available for energy efficiency upgrades to your home. Contact us to learn about current manufacturer’s specials.

Get a FREE estimate on high efficiency equipment for your Maine home! Contact us today to find out more.