Although winter is still a few weeks away, it’s never too early to start preparing for cold weather. With cooler temps usually comes those dreaded high energy bills. Whether you’re looking to go greener at home or just save a little extra green in your wallet, there are lots of things you can do to save energy and cut down on the cost of your home energy bills. Check out these 13 tips to not only save energy, but save money and stay comfortable in the cold winter weather.
Go Natural. The sun is an amazing source of free heat! Open the curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to naturally heat your home. Close the drapes at sundown to retain this heat at night.
Use Ceiling Fans. Ceiling fans can be used to get better airflow in your home. Running your fans counterclockwise can push hot air upwards in the summertime. Running them clockwise pushes warm air down in the wintertime.
Adjust Your Thermostat. During the day, set your thermostat as low as possible to be comfortable. Adjust the temperature up at night before bed. The US Department of Energy reports that you can save about 10% per year on your utility bills just by turning your thermostat down by 10-15 degrees for 8 hours a day. One way to do this is to install a programmable thermostat in your home. This allows you to reduce the heat in your home while you’re out for the day and increase the heat before you get home in the evening.
Bundle Up. Don’t shed your sweaters once you get home. Wear warm sweaters and socks. Lay area rugs throughout your home to insulate the floor. Keep throw blankets on the couch to wrap up in. Consider using flannel sheets and warm comforters in the winter months.
Heat What You Need. Only heat the rooms you use most often. If you have rooms that you don’t use regularly (like a guest room or a storage room), close off and seal the vents to those rooms. This will not only make your home more energy efficient but will redirect the flow of air to the rooms you use more often. The Department of Energy reports that setting your thermostat to 62 degrees and using space heaters where needed can save you up to $200 per year on energy bills.
Get Rid Of Drafts. Use heavy duty clear plastic to cover drafty windows. You can either use plastic sheets on frames or tape clear plastic film to the inside of window frames during the winter months. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame. Use tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty.
Don’t Forget The Fireplace. Keep the fireplace damper closed unless you have a fire burning. Keeping the damper open lets warm air escape right through the chimney. If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue. Install tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system that blows warmed air back into the room. Check the seal on the flue damper and make sure it is as snug as possible. Add caulking around the fireplace hearth.
Insulate. Americans lose hundreds of thousands of dollars each year from heated and cooled air escaping through poor or improper insulation. Make sure your home is properly insulated. Seal air leaks around utility cut-throughs for pipes, gaps around chimneys and recessed lights, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets. Install Energy Star doors and windows and use weatherstripping around them.
Check Your Furnace. Make sure your furnace is kept clean and unblocked. This reduces energy consumption and helps you save money. Check your furnace filter monthly and replace it when it gets dirty.
Use A Humidifier. During the winter, the air inside your home can become very dry. Moist air not only feels warmer, but also holds heat better. Using a humidifier can help your home feel warmer even when you have your thermostat set at a lower temperature. You can also increase the moisture in your home with houseplants.
Limit The Exhaust. Exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom pull warm air that rises to the ceiling out of your home so only use them when absolutely necessary. Make sure to shut them off when you are done.
Lower Your Water Heater. Lower the cost of using your hot water by lowering the temperature setting to warm (120 degrees Fahrenheit).
Switch to LED. LED lights use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lights. They also don’t emit as much heat as traditional lights so they are much safer to use. Replace your household light bulbs with LED bulbs. This also applies to your holiday lights which also come in an LED variety. Always unplug your holiday lights when leaving your home or going to bed or use a timer if possible. Unplug small appliances when they are not in use. If you don’t want to have to remember to unplug all of them, consider using a power strip to turn all of them off at once. Holiday lights and appliances will continue to draw power even when they are not in use, increasing your energy bill without you even using them!
The leaves are changing colors and there’s a chill in the air. Finally! A break from the heat. And while most of us are looking forward to the cooler weather, the change in temperature also means changes in your home. As the weather cools off, it becomes more difficult to regulate your household temperature. And as your heating and cooling system works harder to control the temperature, the increased usage translates into increased utility bills. The is also prime time for wildlife and pests to seek shelter and food inside your home!
Thermal Accoustical Pest Control insulation (TAP) is energy star-rated attic insulation made of 87% recycled newsprint. TAP insulation helps regulate the temperature in your home by keeping them consistent throughout all four seasons of the year. For example, TAP keeps warm air inside and cold air outside during the winter months. By reducing the energy needed to heat and cool your home, utility bills costs can be lowered by up to 30%!
As an added bonus, TAP is treated with borates – a natural pest control product, providing permanent pest protection against roaches, ants and other unwelcome pests in your home. TAP insulation is also treated with a flame retardant that helps limit the spread of fire.
Install TAP insulation in your attic to get these benefits, not only this winter but throughout the rest of the year:
Immediate Return On Investment with lower energy bills
Going Green by conserving energy
Temperature Regulation for year-round comfort
HVAC Efficiency by decreasing the effort of your system
Fire Safety with flame retardant material
Permanent Pest Control Protection against ants, roaches, and more
Your electric bills are probably at an all-time high right now. It’s hot, the A/C is running all day, and energy costs are on the rise. Here are a few tips on how to save some money this summer and in the upcoming winter months, by lowering utility bills and improving energy efficiency, making your home more comfortable:
1. Check to See if Your Home is Properly Insulated
Most homes don’t have enough insulation. Adding insulation to your home provides an immediate return on your investment by reducing the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home. Some products, like TAP Insulation, can even lower utility bills by up to 30% and has the added benefit of pest protection!
2. Install Weatherstripping Around Doors & Windows
Keeping cool air in during the summer and warm air during the winter increases the efficiency of your HVAC system and makes your home more comfortable (and keeps pests out!). Check around doors and windows for gaps and install weatherstripping to correct any issues.
3. Upgrade Light Switches to Dimmer Switches
Using less light powered by electricity is an easy way to cut utility costs. Consider installing dimmer switches in the areas of your home you spend the most time, and turn the lights on a low setting to conserve energy.
4. Install Ceiling Fans
While ceiling fans use electricity, the benefits of air circulation outweigh the electric usage. Run ceiling fans consistently to keep air distributed evenly throughout your home, making your HVAC system run more efficiently.
5. Enclose Your Crawlspace
One of the best ways to increase energy efficiency is by completely closing off your crawlspace with a service like Complete CrawlSpace. This could save you up to 18% on utility bills and offers other home-healthy benefits like mold growth prevention and pest control.
6. Keep Sunlight Out
While most of us love a lot of natural light coming into our homes, that sunlight heats up the house and makes HVAC systems work extra hard to keep it cool. During sunniest hours (12-4 ) keep curtains closed to cover windows or consider installing shutters, blinds or shades to help cut down on sunlight exposure.
7. Change HVAC Filter Once a Month
A lot of people forget to change their filter regularly which increases utility costs. Change your filter out about every 30 days to keep your HVAC system running efficiently.
8. Upgrade Your Appliances
While this will cost more out of pocket initially, the long term savings on energy bills will be worth the investment. Energy Star-rated appliances perform more efficiently, using less energy to perform the same functions as your old appliances. And you can always upgrade one at a time to spread the cost out over time!
9. Wash & Dry Better
When washing clothes or other laundry, use cold water cycles when possible and only wash full loads. If you’re using the dryer, make sure you clean the lint trap after every load; this maximizes your dryer’s efficiency so it doesn’t have to work as hard or long to dry laundry. It’s also a good idea to scrub the lint trap with soap water once every month or so to remove lint build-up. For even more energy savings, take advantage of the warm air outside and line dry your laundry instead of running the dryer.
10. Update Old Power Strips
Electronics in your home are using power (and increasing your utility bills!) even when they’re not being used. To avoid this, replace power strips with surge protectors that automatically turn off power to electronics or devices not in use.
Improving the health of your home offers major benefits to your family. Reduce waste, minimize exposure to chemicals & toxins, breathe healthier, lower your risk for sickness, and improve the overall health of your environment with these 10 healthy home tips.
1. Choose Safer Plastics
Most plastics contain chemicals that are added for functionality. Some of these chemicals have been proven to be toxic. It has also been proven that some of these chemicals can leach into food and liquids that are contained in the plastic. While it is unlikely that one can completely avoid plastic altogether, it is important to limit its use with items that are likely to come in contact with the mouth. Most plastics are marked with numbers which indicate the type of plastic used to make the item. Plastics marked with #3 (or “PVC”) contain a toxic chemical that was recently banned in 2009. Plastics marked with #7 (or “PC”) are usually clear and rigid (e.g. food containers and water bottles). These containers have BPA which can leach into food and water that is in the containers. It is best to avoid plastics with these numbers if at all possible. Glass and ceramic containers are a much healthier option than plastic. However, if glass or ceramic are not available, plastics marked with a #1, 2, 4, or 5 do not contain BPA and are much safer choices than the other plastics mentioned above. Don’t heat plastic containers in the microwave as this releases the chemicals in the plastic. If you can, wash them by hand; if you do put them in the dishwasher, put them on the top shelf as the water is cooler there.
2. Watch What You Eat
Most canned foods are lined with the same chemical, BPA, that was mentioned in tip #1. Try using fresh or frozen foods instead of canned when possible. When buying fresh foods, especially vegetables, try to buy organic as these foods are grown with less pesticides. Check to make sure your salt is iodized; it helps to maintain thyroid function. Check the mercury content of fish; some fish are considered mercury-rich. It is best to avoid these fish as much as possible, especially if you are pregnant. Use a filter when drinking tap water to remove contaminants and use a stainless steel, reusable water bottle.
3. Check Your Cookware
Avoid non-stick cookware and kitchen utensils if at all possible. If you must use them, try not to overheat them as this converts the toxic particles into gas form and allows them to release into your food. Try to use stainless steel or cast iron cookware and wooden or stainless steel utensils instead.
4. Go Green
Many cleaning products contain chemicals that have been proven to lead to asthma, cancer, and other health issues. Check the ingredients on your cleaning products and opt for “green” products instead as these contain less chemicals than traditional cleaners. Most of these cleaners are marked with a label indicating they are “green certified.” If you must use traditional cleaners, check the label for diluting instructions and use the least amount as necessary to do the job. Consider using natural alternatives to cleaners, like vinegar diluted with water and baking soda, which is a great alternative to window cleaner. Mix baking soda and water to form a paste which can be used to clean ovens and toilets. Dilute vinegar in a bucket of water to mop floors. Green is the way to go when it comes to pesticides, as well. The saliva, feces, and shedding body parts of cockroaches have been proven to trigger both allergies and asthma. A green pest control program gets rid of pests while maintaining the lowest environmental impact possible, and it’s pet and family-friendly! Mosquitoes transmit a multitude of diseases like Zika, West Nile, malaria, dengue and more. Reduce mosquito bites and lower your risk with mosquito bite prevention and a green mosquito control program – guaranteed to reduce the number of mosquitoes and mosquito breeding sites around your home without harsh chemicals.
5. Clean The Air
Allergies and asthma can also be triggered by pet dander, dust, and other irritants commonly found in your home. Think of your home as an organism and your heating & cooling systems as the breathing mechanisms. The system supplies conditioned air but at the same time it pulls that same air back into the return. This means that the air is being constantly recycled and is picking up particulates from pets, cleaning products and what you cooked for dinner. It’s no wonder it’s polluted. The first step to getting rid of the dust in your home is to dust and vacuum often. Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters are now available that trap and collect more dust and irritants than a regular vacuum cleaner. Follow this up with wet mopping your floors often, as well. Consider investing in an air purifier for your home that’s installed directly onto your current heating and cooling system, making the air inside your home cleaner, fresher and healthier for the whole family.
6. Modify Your Home
Check the age of your home. If it was built prior to 1978 there is a good chance the paint contains lead. Repainting with low VOC paints can reduce your exposure to toxic lead. Does your furniture contain foam? Many foam stuffed items such as mattresses are treated with toxic flame retardants. Check the items carefully to make sure the foam is not exposed and repair or replace if they are. Check your light bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs contain toxic mercury which can be harmful to you and your family. Handle them with care, especially when disposing of them. Wooden furniture such as picnic tables and swing sets, as well as wooden decking on the exterior of your home can contain arsenic if built before 2005. Replace with items built after 2005 or seal them to reduce your exposure. Check your crawl spaces in your home. One of the best ways to increase energy efficiency, prevent mold growth, and control pests is to enclose your crawl space. This could save you up to 18% on utility bills! In addition to the crawl space, you should also check the insulation in your attic to see if it’s adequate. If not, consider adding a green insulation product like TAP Insulation which can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home, conserving energy while significantly reducing energy bills.
7. Take Personal Care
Since we don’t always know what makes up the fragrances of our personal products, consider buying fragrance-free. Does your toothpaste contain fluoride? Fluoride is toxic to children under the age of 2. Use fluoride-free toothpaste for your kids. Check your shower curtain; if it’s vinyl, throw it out. And regardless of the material it’s made of, shower curtains should be left outside for several days before installing in your home. Avoid using products that aren’t absolutely necessary such as hair spray, detanglers, dryer sheets, and fabric softener. Save money while reducing your family’s exposure to toxic chemicals!
8. Maintenance Is Key
Many pests can enter your home in ways that you would never think of. Seal any openings that could be potential pest entry points – utility openings where wires or pipes come into the foundation and areas around gas meters, dryer vents, and outdoor faucets. You can use caulk, expandable foam, copper mesh, or cement to seal these openings. Examine doors and windows. Be sure to seal any gaps and cracks around windows and doors that would allow pests to enter the home. You can use weather stripping or caulk to seal these problem areas. You can also fit the bottoms of your doors, including your garage doors, with rubber seals. Weather stripping can also be used to seal the bottoms of sliding glass doors. Be sure to examine your screens on doors and windows, as well. Repair any rips/tears that can be fixed and replace the screens that can’t be fixed. If you have a chimney, make sure you install a chimney cap to keep out birds, bats, and other wildlife. You can also install wire mesh over attic vents to keep out bats, squirrels, and rodents. If you have a woodpile outside, make sure to keep it at least 20 feet from the exterior of your home and elevate the woodpile if possible. Cut back overgrown landscaping 1-2 feet so they are not touching the exterior of your home. You should be able to walk the entire perimeter of your house without touching any landscaping. Lighting also attracts pests, especially around windows and doors; using sodium vapor lighting can help.
9. Wash Your Hands
Hand washing is easy to do and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many types of infection and illness. Help stop the spread of germs by washing your hands often, especially during key times, such as before, during, and after preparing food; before eating food; before and after caring for someone who is sick; before and after treating a cut or wound; after using the bathroom; after changing diapers; after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing; after touching an animal, animal food, or animal waste; and after touching garbage. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
10. Be Safety Conscious
Keep a distance between flammable objects (papers, curtains, plastics, etc.) and fire sources (oven, stove top, portable heater, etc.). Keep electrical appliances wrapped and away from water. Install smoke detectors, check them regularly, and replace the batteries at least once a year. Avoid overloading outlets and extension cords. Keep fire extinguishers handy and know how to use them.
Winter can be harsh on our homes and our wallets. It can be a struggle to keep warm air inside, making us cold and driving heating costs up. But you don’t have to be cold OR empty your pockets this winter with these home winterization tips.
Tune-up HVAC Systems
Keeping your heating and air system maintained with regular HVAC tune-ups will ensure your unit is running at maximum efficiency, making your home warmer and your bills lower. Regular maintenance will also extend the life of your HVAC system! This includes cleaning and/or replacing filters, checking thermostats, and checking/cleaning heating system components, all of which are usually included in an HVAC tune-up done by a heating and air company.
Add Insulation
Most homes don’t have enough insulation which is needed to help your HVAC system run more efficiently, keep cold air out, warm air in, resulting in lower utility bills. Call an insulation company – most offer free inspections – to check your home’s insulation levels. Then you can decide what and where you need additional insulation and what kind will work best for your home. Consider a blown-in option, like TAP Insulation, which has the added benefit of permanent pest control.
Adjust Water Heater
Set your water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees or lower. This will save up to 10% on monthly water heating costs without you having to give up hot showers.
Turn Down the Heat
Don’t pay for unused heat by forgetting to lower the thermostat before you leave the house. To make this easy, consider installing a programmable thermostat.
Weatherstripping
Sealing gaps around your home is one of the easiest ways to keep warm air in, cold air out, prevent pests, and save money. Check around windows, doors, chimneys, and pipes for openings, gaps, and cracks, and repair as needed. For added protection, consider installing storm windows and doors.
Insulate Pipes
Lower water heating costs and prevent pipes from freezing by insulating them. Check your local home improvement store for insulation options; most are easy to install yourself.
Winter can be harsh on our homes and our wallets. It can be a struggle to keep warm air inside, making us cold and driving heating costs up. But you don’t have to be cold OR empty your pockets this winter with these home winterization tips.
Tune-up HVAC Systems
Keeping your heating and air system maintained with regular HVAC tune-ups will ensure your unit is running at maximum efficiency, making your home warmer and your bills lower. Regular maintenance will also extend the life of your HVAC system! This includes cleaning and/or replacing filters, checking thermostats, and checking/cleaning heating system components, all of which are usually included in an HVAC tune-up done by a heating and air company.
Add Insulation
Most homes don’t have enough insulation which is needed to help your HVAC system run more efficiently, keep cold air out, warm air in, resulting in lower utility bills. Call an insulation company – most offer free inspections – to check your home’s insulation levels. Then you can decide what and where you need additional insulation and what kind will work best for your home. Consider a blown-in option, like TAP Insulation, which has the added benefit of permanent pest control.
Adjust Water Heater
Set your water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees or lower. This will save up to 10% on monthly water heating costs without you having to give up hot showers.
Turn Down the Heat
Don’t pay for unused heat by forgetting to lower the thermostat before you leave the house. To make this easy, consider installing a programmable thermostat.
Weatherstripping
Sealing gaps around your home is one of the easiest ways to keep warm air in, cold air out, prevent pests, and save money. Check around windows, doors, chimneys, and pipes for openings, gaps, and cracks, and repair as needed. For added protection, consider installing storm windows and doors.
Insulate Pipes
Lower water heating costs and prevent pipes from freezing by insulating them. Check your local home improvement store for insulation options; most are easy to install yourself.
We all need food to survive, right? Unfortunately for us, mosquitoes live off of blood meals from people and animals, which is obtained by biting their victims. Ouch! And chances are, even if you practice strict mosquito prevention, you’ll still be bitten at some point during mosquito season in warm, humid climates. Here’s what you can do to minimize the itching, swelling, rashes, and diseases that mosquito bites often leave behind.
Apply Aloe Vera
Aloe is a natural antiseptic that will minimize swelling, pain, and itching, and will also help the bite to heal faster. Chilled aloe vera works even better. Pop it into the fridge for awhile before applying for maximum results and relief.
Ice It
Applying ice directly onto mosquito bites will reduce swelling, relieve pain, and make the bite less itchy. Leave it on for 10-15 minute increments at a time, using as often as needed.
Take a Bath
Soak in an oatmeal-infused bath for several allergic reactions to mosquito bites. The oatmeal will soothe symptoms of the bites immediately.
Lemon-Aid
Lemons have natural antiseptic and anti-inflamatory properties that will reduce symptoms of mosquito bites and minimize the risk of infection. Cut a lemon in half and rub it over the affected area.
Have Some Tea
Hold a damp green tea bag (preferably cold) onto the mosquito bites for immediate relief from itchiness, swelling, and redness.
Dab of Honey
Honey is a natural antiseptic. Apply a small amount directly onto mosquito bites to help prevent infection.
Cover it
Cover the bites with a bandaid or even tape to keep yourself from scratching it, which will reduce chances of prolonged symptoms and infection.
With so many exterminators to choose from, it can be overwhelming for a business or homeowner to determine which company is the best option. Here are a few things to look for when considering which pest control company is right for you:
1. Multiple Service Options
Does the pest control company offer multiple services for pests, termites, mosquitoes, bed bugs, wildlife, and other household pests? As temperatures and weather conditions change throughout the year, it’s likely that you’ll encounter several different pests at different times. Having an exterminating company that can handle all of your pest needs will save you time AND money. Most often, the pest company can handle multiple service requests during one appointment, send you one bill for all services, that’s usually at a discounted rate (bundle services and SAVE!).
2. Green, Eco-friendly Services
Is the environment and your family & pets a concern for you when considering exterminators? Most likely it is, and should be. Pest control companies today should offer green alternatives to traditional services – like green pest control, green termite control, and green mosquito control. With advancements in technology, green services are just as effective as traditional services if applied correctly and will give you peace of mind, knowing family and pets are not at risk. It’s also not a bad idea to ask for a list of products used. Some exterminating companies claim to offer “green” pest control, but are only using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach – which utilizes less product to target specific pests – but not always with eco-friendly pest control products.
3. A Positive Reputation
Most pest control companies, like other services companies, will have customer reviews online or a word-of-mouth reputation. Use caution if a company has no reviews or if you’ve never heard of them; they may be newly established with less industry experience.
4. Years in Business
Because there is so much competition in the pest industry, some newer start-up companies won’t stay in business. While they may offer cheaper prices up-front, your warranty could be compromised, OR they could close their doors without fulfilling their agreement. It’s best to choose a company that’s been around for awhile, that has proven, effective pest control methods, offers highly-trained technicians, and that stands behind their warranties.
The majority of homes we inspect do not have adequate insulation in the attic. Most often, when homes are constructed, contractors will install the minimum amount of insulation required. While minimal insulation is better than no insulation, having the proper amount will make your HVAC system run more efficiently which keeps your home warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer, and saves you money on energy bills ALL YEAR LONG. The investment of insulation begins paying for itself immediately!
For attic insulation, there are a lot of options you can choose from, making it a somewhat stressful decision for homeowners. Here are some things to consider:
Does your attic currently have some type of insulation? If so, you may want to with a loose-fill product since it fills in gaps well OR have the insulation removed and replaced (common when insulation is contaminated by pest infestations or water-damaged).
Are you planning to insulate the attic yourself or call an insulation contractor? Installing loose-fill or blown-in insulation is more labor-intensive compared to batt insulation since it requires special equipment to install.
How much accessible space is in your attic? Batt insulation is relatively easy to install in accessible spaces with higher ceilings, but not recommended for areas with a lot of obstructions. Loose-fill insulation is blown into your attic, making it a better choice for spaces with limited accessibility.
In what type of climate is your home located? This will determine how much insulation you need, using R-Value minimums established by the Department of Energy (see map below).
For most insulation projects, we recommend using TAP Insulation. TAP is a loose-fill, cellulose insulation product that guarantees energy cost savings of 20-38% when installed at recommended R-Values. TAP, short for Thermal Acoustical Pest Control, Insulation is made of 87% recycled newsprint, is energy star rated, and treated with borates, a natural pest control product that provides permanent pest protection in your attic. TAP is also unique in that it has the added benefit of fire protection. And, in addition to saving you tons of money throughout the year on utility bills, TAP Insulation keeps warm air inside in colder temperatures, cool air in warmer temperatures, making your home comfortable year-round.
