rallan said:
How do I find out where to start? I do not need flames! I would like to
know how to start out. I live in upstate NY, and am tired of all the bills
for power and natural gas. Any help would be appreciated.
Hello from the Lake-Effect snow band in Oswego Co!!!
Insulate and weatherstripping.
Boring as heck, I know. But that is the first place to start. Depending on
your home, it may be hard to 'backfit' some things, but with the rising
prices of natural gas, the pay-back on conservation projects just keeps
getting better and better.
My bills for a family of four on National Grid's 'budget plan' are running
$250/month. That's with gas heat/HW and even a little A/C in the summer.
How bad are your bills?
Nag the kids to turn off the PC/lights/TV. Get CFL's at least in the areas
that are more 'utilitarian' like the kitchen, bath, hallways. Did I mention
more insulation ??
Maybe consider a new 'fridge if yours is more than 5 or 8 years old (well,
at least *consider* it...). Pay attention to the energy stickers when
appliance shopping. If you've chalked and stuffed all the obvious drafts,
consider getting a blower-door test done to find more infiltration areas
(along the sill plate on top of the foundation is one that gets missed
often, and the holes in the attic where wiring is routed is another).
Make an inexpensive 'plug' to seal off the basement's outside door if you
have one. I made one by cutting some rigid foam board to just slightly
smaller than the opening and then put a line of fiberglass batts around it
to let me plug it in tight and I can still remove it when I need to use the
door for access.
Either tight-fitting storm windows, or at least double-glazed ones. Locking
the windws (if you have double-hung style) in the winter can help hold them
tightly closed against winter winds. Check outlets/switchs that are on
exterior walls for drafts. Oh, and consider some more insulation
Good luck,
daestrom