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Save Money by Sealing Your Home’s Envelope September is here, and that means winter’s cold weather isn’t too far behind. Before it gets too blustery outside to work around the house, South Kentucky RECC says take time to seal your home against excessive heat loss. Many homes have leaks and gaps that rob homeowners of comfort and money. Simple upgrades, such as adding weather stripping or caulking around doors and windows, or better insulating your attic, can dramatically reduce your monthly electric bill. The cost of these upgrades often can be recovered in a few months through energy savings. The US Environmental Protection Agency and US Department of Energy estimate that typical homeowners can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs (or up to 10 percent on their total annual energy bills) just by properly sealing and insulating their homes. Many air leaks and drafts are easy to find because they are easy to feel – like those around windows and doors. But holes in attics, basements, and crawlspaces are usually bigger problems, and sealing these will have greater impact. At present, SKRECC has caulk that they will give members, free of charge, to help seal leaks. If you don’t feel confident in your ability to diagnose your house’s air-loss problems, South Kentucky RECC offers the Button-Up program for its members. Call your local SKRECC office and tell an energy advisor that you are interested in Button-Up. If your home qualifies, an energy audit will be performed to determine how much heat is lost through floors, walls, ceilings, doors, windows, and other areas. The audit will also give you weatherization options that can reduce air loss. After you make some or all of the recommended changes, SKRECC will pay you $20 for every 1,000 BTUs your heating load is lowered, up to $400. And you will save even more money as your monthly electric bills are reduced. South Kentucky RECC also encourages everyone to visit www.simplesavings.coop and www.togetherwesave.com. Both Web sites offer energy-saving tips and advice, bulletins, videos, etc. At South Kentucky RECC, we are always looking for ways to save our members energy and money, while helping them stay comfortable. |
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