By doing simple and cost-effective home improvements, homeowners should be able to reduce their utility bills significantly. Below are some of the practical tips every homeowners and property owners who are working on lowering cost should know.

Staying Away from the Elements

• Weather stripping and caulking windows and doors where air can escape through.
• Sealing off air leaks where ducting, electrical wiring, light fixtures, or plumbing penetrates through the ceilings, floors and exterior walls.
• Rubber gaskets installation behind switch plates and outlets on exterior walls.
• During winter, tape clear plastic film or use durable, clear plastic sheet to the inside of your window frames. Be sure to seal the plastic tightly to the frame to stop cold air from entering.
• During cold seasons, keep the shades and draperies on your windows open to allow sunlight to enter. Close them at night to minimize the winter cold. Meanwhile, during warmer seasons keep window covers closed to curb solar gain.

Common Sources of Air Leaks in the Home

Air can easily pass through various points in your home. The common leak locations include:

• Attic Entrance
• Chimney Flashing
• Ducts
• Door and Window Frames
• Plumbing and Utilities Penetration Points
• Sill Plates
• Switches and Electric Outlets

Caulking – A Low-Cost, Easy Energy-Saving Project

Caulking is an effective way to dramatically reduce utility bills. Caulk is a type of compound used to fill cracks, crevices, holes and joints. Caulking is easy and will only require few tools. Correct caulking application requires a temperature of above 40°F. Prior to applying new caulk, old and cracked caulk must be removed.

For the most part, caulking must be applied on your home’s interior and exterior joints. Caulking seals the cracks that normally happens as building materials undergo expansion and contraction in varying rates.

If you want to check for air leaks inside your home, try to move your hand around the doors and windows during a windy day. Should you feel an air movement it means you’ll need to apply caulking and weather strip.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioner Monitoring

• Check if your gas appliances are operating and burning efficiently.
• Once a month clean or replace your furnace air filters and have them serviced before the summer to ensure they’re in good condition.
• Save up to 10% on your bill by lowering your thermostat for 8 hours a day. Ideally, do this when no one is home or when people in the house are sleeping.
• Clean baseboard heaters, radiators and warm air registers regularly.
• Use ventilation fans wisely.

Tips for Efficient Water Use

• Fix leaks promptly.
• Turn off faucet when brushing your teeth or shaving
• When using dishwasher and washing machine, use full loads.
• Install low-flow faucet and showerheads aerators.

Lighting and Appliances Usage Tips

• Turn off lights and home appliances that are not in use.
• Use energy-efficient lighting bulbs.
• Conduct regular air conditioner monitoring and cleaning.
• Clean your refrigerator coils.

Landscaping – How It Helps You Save On Power Bill

Planting trees and shrubs is an efficient technique to cut your heating and cooling bills. Trees and shrubs planted in strategic locations around your house can intercept the cold wind during the winter. And in summer, they also offer you much-needed sun shades. Landscaping not only beautifies your home, plants can also reduce air and noise pollutions.

True Cool AC are experts in utilizing the latest technology for your heating and cooling needs. For more information call or visit Low-Cost Tips for Reducing Home Heating and Cooling Costs