Cut Your Energy Bills in Half
Using the following energy saving tips you can cut your energy bills in half.
If your electrical bills are still over $100 per month, only then consider the solar panel option that still has both federal and state incentives.
1. Switch your lights to LED, a more recent improvement over fluorescent bulbs. Check out prices at Cost-co. Ultratech LED is a current best buy brand. If you want to stick to CFL, Great Value is considered a best buy.
2. Plug air leaks, this can often be done by the homeowner with caulk and weather stripping. Watch out for hard sale retro-window sales people. The FTC ordered many companies to stop promising inflated energy savings of 40 to 50 percent.
3. Consider electric solar panels, but get a bid from 3 licensed companies.
4. Upgrade your appliances. Swapping out a 15 year old refrigerator can save $60 per year. A high efficiency washer can save another $130 per year. Newer energy efficient dishwashers save on water use.
5. For old water heaters, consider replacing with a high energy efficiency tank model. Consider a tankless water heater, but consider installation costs.
6. If missing, install glass doors at your fireplace.
7. Plumbing: Fix leaks promptly, especially running toilets. Upgrade toilets to low water use models as needed. Replace shower heads with low use models. Install aerators at sinks.
8. Upgrade your attic insulation to current energy standards.
9. HVAC: Have a minor tune up and hygiene cleaning conducted on your furnace and air conditioner.
This does not include duct cleaning, which is not recommended by the EPA. Do conduct a duck leak and repair if recommended by the contractor. Install ceiling fans as an alternative to overuse of the AC.
10. Switch to drought resistant plants and cut down on watering times.
If you need help, contact a certified home and energy inspector, or your local utility for additional expertise.
Steve Z. has performed over 7,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.
Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy, radon, EMF/RF and environmental inspections, that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics.
He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.
Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's.
As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE limited mold investigation as well, with each home inspection. . Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. www.gpinspect.com
Using the following energy saving tips you can cut your energy bills in half.
If your electrical bills are still over $100 per month, only then consider the solar panel option that still has both federal and state incentives.
1. Switch your lights to LED, a more recent improvement over fluorescent bulbs. Check out prices at Cost-co. Ultratech LED is a current best buy brand. If you want to stick to CFL, Great Value is considered a best buy.
2. Plug air leaks, this can often be done by the homeowner with caulk and weather stripping. Watch out for hard sale retro-window sales people. The FTC ordered many companies to stop promising inflated energy savings of 40 to 50 percent.
3. Consider electric solar panels, but get a bid from 3 licensed companies.
4. Upgrade your appliances. Swapping out a 15 year old refrigerator can save $60 per year. A high efficiency washer can save another $130 per year. Newer energy efficient dishwashers save on water use.
5. For old water heaters, consider replacing with a high energy efficiency tank model. Consider a tankless water heater, but consider installation costs.
6. If missing, install glass doors at your fireplace.
7. Plumbing: Fix leaks promptly, especially running toilets. Upgrade toilets to low water use models as needed. Replace shower heads with low use models. Install aerators at sinks.
8. Upgrade your attic insulation to current energy standards.
9. HVAC: Have a minor tune up and hygiene cleaning conducted on your furnace and air conditioner.
This does not include duct cleaning, which is not recommended by the EPA. Do conduct a duck leak and repair if recommended by the contractor. Install ceiling fans as an alternative to overuse of the AC.
10. Switch to drought resistant plants and cut down on watering times.
If you need help, contact a certified home and energy inspector, or your local utility for additional expertise.
About Steve Zivolich
and Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com
and Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com
Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.
Steve Z. has performed over 7,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.
Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy, radon, EMF/RF and environmental inspections, that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics.
He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.
Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's.
As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE limited mold investigation as well, with each home inspection. . Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. www.gpinspect.com
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