Saving Energy With Weather Stripping and Window Coverings
In these times, most everyone has either a heating system or an air conditioning unit to regulate the temperature in their home. The units are like an insurance policy. They insure that the inside of your home will remain a comfortable temperature no matter if it is freezing cold or blistering hot outside.
A savvy homeowner is aware of just how much energy is required to control the temperature with these appliances. For those of us who have these appliances in our home, we can readily attest that they have a significant impact on our electric bills when they are in use.
Living in your home without a heating or cooling system is quite possible, but few people would be willing to give up that convenience. Our homes are a place where we can rest and relax after putting in a hard day at work. How can you possible relax if the inside temperature is unbearable?
Heating and cooling costs are one of the highest expenses on your monthly electric bill but there are other factors that contribute to the costs related to your air conditioning and heating units.
As with most appliances, there are ways to lower the amount of energy used, and there are factors that raise the cost of operating these appliances.
The same is true with heating and air conditioning units. There are ways to use them that make the most of their built in functions.
Accessories are available that will allow your heating and air conditioning systems to operate better and without interruption. Air flow is one way to regulate these systems. If you have the proper air flow, your units will operate more efficiently.
Every time you use your heating or air conditioning units you should always make sure doors and windows are tightly closed. Your regular home maintenance routine should include a check of all windows and doors for possible leaks in the seals.
This will insure that your hard earned money, in the form of high electric bills, is not leading out the cracks around your windows and doors. By containing the heating or cooling you will be able to better regulate the temperature for your comfort.
Weather Stripping
The small cracks and crevices that are often found around windows and doors can cause a significant leakage of air, both in and out of your home.
Sealing those small holes, crevices and cracks can better regulate the air flow in your home. As stated before, the proper air flow will allow your units to function properly, save you money, and keep you more comfortable.
The application of weather stripping is an easy do-it-yourself project. Weather stripping fills the gaps in doors and window so there is less air leakage. If the do-it-yourself idea is not to your liking, professionals can do the installation quickly, and at the same time, offer more ways that you can save energy.
If you are handy, and prefer to do-it-yourself, this is an easy project.
Many easy to use products are available at hardware stores, and home centers. Many are self adhesive and make the job go quickly.
Window Coverings
Many people enjoy looking out the window and do not realize how the installation of window coverings could lower their energy usage. Window coverings also help their air conditioners and heating units work more efficiently.
Windows transfer heat very effectively especially from the outside of the home to the inside of the home. Take notice that during hot summer days you can notice how warm air enters your home through the window. Hold your hand in front of a sunny window and you will see how much heat is entering your home through the windows.
This heat will enter your home even if you have the windows closed and the air conditioning running. This heat, called radiation heat, will cause your air conditioner to work harder as it continually tries to cool the hot air coming into your home. Naturally is causes your electric bill to rise.
One solution is to purchase or make energy efficient window coverings.
Curtains or blinds are efficient ways to cover your windows. Accessories such as these window coverings, help minimize the effect of radiation heat and will result in a more temperature regulated, cool home.
Purchasing curtains and blinds is simple. All you need to do is visit your local home furnishing shop. These products have been made simplier to install, and before long you will have your energy efficient window coverings in place to save you money.
About the Author:
Beverly Saltonstall is an environmental writer. Visit http://sustainable-development-forecast.com for news, podcasts, articles and guides on issues such as energy efficiency, recycling, sustainability, and more. For an in-depth look at Sustainable Development, read "Our Planet is in Danger".