Reducing Your Energy Bills This Winter

With beautiful blue sky's, temps hovering around 75 degrees, no humidity and the brilliant hues of red, yellow and orange foliage, it is hard to believe that holiday season is upon us with Thanksgiving only a little more than 2 weeks away.  Even in the Atlanta metro area we will experience "some" winter weather although mild compared to northern winters. 

That brings me to today's topic which is Energy.   If you're the chosen family member who pays the monthly bills, you probably all ready know the majority of your monthly energy expenses -- outside of gas for your car, is associated with heating or cooling your home.  Here are some tips from the experts to save money and reduce your utility bills, and help the environment at the same time.

1) When replacing older appliances, especially refrigerators, consider more energy-efficient, Energy Star appliances.

2) Wrap heating and cooling ducts with duct wrap, or use mastic sealant.

3)  Set the furnace thermostat at 68 degrees or lower and the air - conditioner thermostat at 78 degrees or higher, health permitting.

(I must admit to you, I am pretty bad with this advice from the experts when it comes to cooling my home.  The heat in the south is just too much for me sometimes.  My air-conditioner runs most of the year and in the warmest months, admittedly it is set at about 60 degrees.  I try to make up for my transgressions in other ways of conservation whenever possible).

Anyway, they say, if you are able to conform to the above advice, that will help you out considerably at bill time because the energy used is 3% to 5% more for each degree above 68 (furnace) or below 78 (air conditioner).

4) Use compact fluorescent lamps or lower wattage bulbs.  This is another area I fall short in, because I love to read and I love bright light.  I am getting better though.

5)  Fix defective plumbing and dripping faucets.  A single dripping hot water faucet can waste quite a bit of water every month.  That not only increases water bills, but also increases the gas or electric bill for heating the water. 

Please call or e-mail me if you have any questions or if you would like a referral to a qualified HVAC contractor, plumber or other type of contractor.  I am always happy to help. 

Sara Hibbard is a licenced Realtor in the Atlanta metro area serving the areas of Acworth, Alpharetta, Canton, Cumming, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Marietta, Powder Springs, Roswell and Woodstock.   Call Sara if you are considering the possibility of selling your current home, purchasing a new home, or if you have any questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process.  Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!  Sara is easily reachable at 404-660-2481.