professional
portfolios
 Energy Savings:
Jeff Morris
Jeff Morris is
owner and CEO of Case Handyman & Remodeling, located at 2335
Washington Road in Canonsburg. Case offers a variety of home
repair services, from full-house remodeling to simple handyman
jobs. For more information, visit www.caseremodeling.com or call
724-745-9888.
Tips
for the Winter
During the winter
months, your home’s energy bill typically increases due to a
rise in energy usage. Here are a few tips to help you become
more efficient and save money in your home.
The Kitchen
From appliances to lighting, there are several areas where you
can improve the energy efficiency of your kitchen and
consequently save on energy bills. For example:
-
Replace older
appliances with energy-efficient models.
-
Repair any leaky
faucets that can waste gallons of water.
-
Use your
microwave to reheat or cook smaller meals.
-
Save water by
scraping dishes instead of rinsing them before loading in
the dishwasher.
-
Save water by
washing full loads in the dishwasher and utilizing the air
dry option.
The Bathroom
Many improvements can be made to save energy in your bathroom.
-
Install a
ventilation fan to control moisture in the air.
-
Cover and seal
all holes that lead from bathroom plumbing, ductwork or
electrical openings.
-
Take 10-minute
showers which use less water than a full bath.
-
Repair leaky
faucets that waste water.
The Living Room
As a gathering spot for family and friends to spend quality
time, the living room is an area where you can take simple steps
to be more energy-efficient.
The Basement
The basement is a good place to make energy-efficient
improvements. From appliances such as washing machines and
dryers to heating and cooling equipment, there are important
steps you can take to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
-
Turn down your
water heater thermostat to 120° F or lower.
-
Check your HVAC
system’s air filter once a month and replace it at least
every three months. Have a licensed contractor conduct a
check-up of your system to ensure all parts are working
properly.
-
Use cold water
whenever possible when washing your laundry.
-
Caulk and
weatherstrip around windows and door frames that leak air.
-
To save water
and electricity, wash and dry full loads. If you must wash a
partial load, reduce the level of water appropriately.
The Home Office
With more people spending time working at home, it is no
surprise that an increase in home energy bills can be attributed
to the home office.
-
Enable power
management features on your home computer and monitor.
-
Use a power
strip as a central “turn off” point when you are not
using equipment.
-
Turn off all
machines when not in use (i.e., fax machines, monitors,
printers, scanners, copiers).
The Attic
The attic is one of the places where you can often find the
greatest air leaks that increase your energy bills and make you
uncomfortably cold in the winter. It is also a place that is
easy to fix and insulate to improve your home’s comfort and
overall energy performance.
-
Seal duct
connections and seams with duct sealant or tape to eliminate
leaks.
-
Promote natural
attic ventilation by adding a gable or soffit vent.
-
Seal hidden air
leaks and add insulation to make your home more comfortable
and save on energy bills.
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