How to Cozy Up Your Home Without Cranking Up the Heat

via Pinterest

Already feeling a chill in your home, but not ready to crank up the heat? Never fear. Houselogic has great tips on how to make your home feel warm and cozy, without increasing your gas bill.

1. Dust your light fixtures. Clean bulbs make your home seem brighter and warmer, but won't hurt your electric bill.

2. Check for leaks. Air can leak out through cracks around windows, doors, wall outlets, and electrical boxes.

3. Warm up with the fireplace of the future: Gel fireplace inserts can burn for up to three hours and are completely smoke and allergen-free, according to Houselogic.

4. Indoor plants can help brighten up your home, while decreasing dust. Try either the golden pothos or some gerbera daisies.

5. Let in the light by cleaning your window panes! More natural light can help cure the blues brought on by shorter days and colder temperatures.

6. After you've cleaned your window panes, take out the screens. Dirty screens make your home feel darker and screenless windows have great curb appeal!

When should I replace my A/C?

via houselogic.com

 

Having trouble staying cool this summer? It may be time for a new A/C! Due to recent updates in the manufacture of air conditioning units, new systems may use less than half the electricity of old A/C units and will be more effective at cooling you off. According to a recent HouseLogic article, purchasing a new A/C may be more cost effective than repairing your old one. In order to determine if purchasing a new system is the right decision for your home, House Logic recommends you follow these steps:

Check your current A/C's efficiency
Units that are just 8-10 years old might use up to twice the electricity that a new unit would use. By purchasing a new A/C with more efficient energy standards, you could cut your consumption (and your bills!) by 30%. HouseLogic recommends consulting your installer to see if a new unit is worth the cost.

Investigate the ductwork
Your old A/C may only be part of your cooling problems. Your home's ductwork may leak 10-30% of its air before it reaches you. Have a technician run tests to insure that your ducts aren't the problem before deciding to purchase a new A/C unit.

Consider your home's structure
A poorly insulated house could account for your A/C's ineffectiveness. A contractor may be able to seal any cracks or improve your home's insulation. This fix may be enough to improve your old system's effectiveness and keep you cool for a few more years.

If you have considered these issues, and decided that purchasing a new unit is for you, make sure that your new system is the correct size for your home. Oversized systems cost more, use more electricity, and may still not be effective at cooling your home. Consult a trusted contractor to ensure you purchase a system that's right for you. And remember...

Making Your Home Energy Efficient

According the the Environmental Protection Agency, the average household spend over $2,200 on annual energy bills. This can partially be attributed to our inefficient homes, which often feature leaky windows, under insulated attics, and outdated AC units. The U.S. Green Building Council discusses five areas that can help make your home more energy efficient--thus saving you money in bills and creating a more comfortable home. The first area deals with insulation, used to keep warm air inside during the winter. Seal air leaks around baseboards and the edge of flooring. Seal attic space by adding extra insulation. Second, install double or triple-pane windows for best results. Adding a tint to your windows is a less expensive way to make existing windows more energy efficient. Third, upgrade older appliances with Energy Star appliances. Fourth, replace the furnace--especially if it was built prior to 1992. Furnaces build before than probably have a standing pilot, which wastes 35% of the fuel it uses. Finally, swap incandescent light bulbs with compact florescent lamps and LEDs. These can reduce electricity usage by 75%!