Free Press shows how to save on energy costs
Andrew Norton
The Detroit Free Press has a brief 5 Step article on what you can do to save money on your energy costs. The approximate cost of all these steps is $250. Here's the list of steps, but visit freep.com for the detailed steps.
- Get a Home Energy Audit
- Install a programmable thermostat
- Use sealants such as caulk and expanding foam
- Buy compact fluorescent light bulbs
- Install landscaping to provide shade in summer
I would add another quick and easy one for the winter - dress warmer and keep your thermostat set lower. You don't have to have the heat cranked up and sit around in a t-shirt and shorts.
Okay, I just thought of a couple more. Replace your furnace filters on a monthly basis. Clogged filters make your heating system work harder, expend more energy, and possibly fail sooner than it should. Also, have your furnace inspected once every few years to make sure it is in tip-top shape and running at its maximum efficiency.