There is a chill in the air in Asheville, and it has us all thinking about keeping warm this winter. Heating our homes cost efficiently is a concern for many, and Mosiac Community LIfestyle Realty exposes "Top 5" things to check in your home to save on your energy bill this winter.
- PREVENT COLD AIR FROM GETTING IN - By sealing the envelope of the house, you stop cold air from getting in and petetrating coolness inside. Weather-strip doors and windows, and fill any leaks or gaps in the attic floor, such as around pipes, chimneys, wiring, and recessed light fixtures in the ceiling. Small openings and cracks can drastically increase your heating and costs.
- KEEP WARM WITH INSULATION: If you insulate only one thing, it should be the attic floor, since heat rises. It is advised to have at least 10 inches of insulation in this area.
- CHECK DUCTWORK: Most of us understand that doors and windows can leak air in, however the ducts in a typical house leak much of both heated and cooled air into the attic, basement, or crawlspace. If you find missing duct tape, holes, or openings in the duct work, this can dramatically alter your heating bill, as the a majority of the heat is going to areas in the house that are not livable. You will need a professional to take care of the duct work to fix the duct drafts, as this is a messy and time-consuming job.
- HOW OLD IS YOUR FURNACE?: Heating systems that are more than about 20 years old and cooling systems that are more than about 10 years old are inefficient by today's standards. Installing even middle-of-the-road equipment sold today can yield 10 to 20 percent savings.
- CHANGE THE THERMOSTAT: Cut energy costs by installing a programmable thermostat. These devices are said to save about 10 percent on your heating bills, according to the Alliance to Save Energy
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