If it feels like the current economic environment has taken us hostage, like there’s nowhere to hide and nothing we can do to escape prices that seem to rise without end, take hope.

Improving Your Homes Energy Efficiency

At B.M.C/Clower, we understand the challenges that every homeowner faces when it comes to creating a comfortable and affordable home. That’s why we wanted to take a minute to pass along some of our favorite tips for home energy efficiency.

First and foremost, if you haven’t already done so, you need to install a programmable thermostatas soon as possible. This simple little device can help you automatically save 10-15% on your heating and cooling bills by adjusting the temperature in your home when you aren’t there and when you are sleeping.

Second, you should seal and insulate your ductwork (if you have a furnace), or insulate all pipes leading to and from your boiler to make sure you aren’t losing energy before it even reaches your living spaces. This is a simple and inexpensive fix that should be at the top of your list.

Third, you should insulate and seal drafty areas throughout your living area. This involves repairing old windows (by reglazing them, installing weathers tripping around their perimeter, and removing trim to fill gaps with spray foam), insulating doors (by applying weather stripping and using fabric stops at their base), and sealing up leaks in other areas such as chimneys, plumbing chases, outside wall electric outlets and attic hatches.

Next, you will probably want to install and use a ceiling fan to help circulate warm air trapped up near the ceiling (in the winter) and cool air (in the summer). This will allow you to make the most of comfort your home heating and cooling system is producing, saving a few precious degrees both ways.

Then, you should be purchasing and using window coverings to your advantage. In the winter this means opening curtains on sunny days to allow the warmth into the room and using insulting curtains at night to reduce heat loss. In the summer this means pulling the blinds during the day to keep the heat out and using screens or lightweight fans on moderate evenings to take advantage of the night air. A few simple upgrades to your window coverings go further than you might think.

Finally, you should landscape your yard to take maximum advantage of its location in every season. This involves planting trees that provide shade in the summer and block wind in the winter, and leaving south-facing windows to remain unobstructed so you can get the crucial warmth of the sun in the winter.

There are many additional methods that you can use, but we think these top tips will go a long way toward reducing your overall home energy bills. The more you employ, the greater the savings. As always, if you have any questions about how to make the most of your energy investments, we are always available at 866-904-9946.