Prudy
09-30-2009, 11:42 AM
Look AT your windows - Not through them!
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, consumers spend, on average 6% to 12% of their income on utilities. Who ARE these people? Only 6%? For the first time in my life, I suddenly wanted to be below average! I immediately started by looking AT my windows instead of just through them since that's one of the biggest places to throw your utility money...well...OUT THE WINDOW! Literally!
The Energy Department states that "you can reduce your home's heating and cooling expense by as much as 30 percent through proper insulation and air-sealing techniques". In plain English, that means to keep money from being sucked out of your pocket needlessly, make sure you have the proper windows and/or insulation! There are many options ranging in cost and ease to help in this area and I only have so much room, so here are a few handy tips: (don't let this list stand as the only options, it's just a few of the most common money savers)
Replace your windows which can increase a home's energy efficiency by up to 45% in winter. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 allows for "federal tax credits up to 30 percent (up to $1500) of the total purchase price for qualifying windows, doors and skylights (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_taxcredits) when used for remodeling or replacement in a taxpayer's primary U.S. residence". You need to look for products that are Energy Star-qualified by the E.P.A. or for one of the other new certification programs, such as EcoExcel from Anderson Windows. Other windows may not qualify for the credit so make sure to do your research... To make it easy, just click here (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_taxcredits).
However, for many of us, it is simply impossible to "replace" our windows at this juncture in our lives, but that doesn't leave us out in the cold. Another way you can cut your cost is nothing more than your shades or curtains. Not just any shade or curtain but one of these choices:
∙Cellular Shades (http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&safe=off&num=100&q=Cellular+shades+honeycomb+description&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=pnvDSqrEFY3klAeSn6TcBA&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=5&ved=0CDAQrQQwBA) with the air-trapping, honeycomb design;
∙Thermal Roller Shades (http://www.google.com/products?q=Thermal+Roller+Shades&hl=en&aq=f);
∙Heavy Drapes (like good blankets, the more layers the better) AND JCPenny (http://www3.jcpenney.com/jcp/X3.aspx?deptid=70024&pcatid=70024&catid=70666&cattyp=SAL&dep=Home+Store&pcat=Home+Store&cat=View+All+Sales&refpagename=Default%252Easpx&refdeptid=&refcatid=&cmAMS_T=T1&cmAMS_C=C5&CmCatId=homepage) has 30-60% Off Window Items Thru 10/13.; and the cheapest option;
∙Bubble Wrap! Yes, bubble wrap, NOT foil. It may not make the outside of the house look better, but the inside of your pocket book will! And hey, you can even find colored bubble wrap (http://www.fast-pack.com/coloredwrap.html) to fit your decor! Just keep in mind colored bubble wrap will change the way the light enters your room! You simple cut the bubble wrap to fit the glass section of the window, spritz your window with plain tap water and press the wrap into place. Believe it or not, this increases your window's efficiency rating from an R-1 to an R-2! Now that's COOL!
Click Here for more Tips of the Day (http://www.yourgoodbuygirl.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2)
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, consumers spend, on average 6% to 12% of their income on utilities. Who ARE these people? Only 6%? For the first time in my life, I suddenly wanted to be below average! I immediately started by looking AT my windows instead of just through them since that's one of the biggest places to throw your utility money...well...OUT THE WINDOW! Literally!
The Energy Department states that "you can reduce your home's heating and cooling expense by as much as 30 percent through proper insulation and air-sealing techniques". In plain English, that means to keep money from being sucked out of your pocket needlessly, make sure you have the proper windows and/or insulation! There are many options ranging in cost and ease to help in this area and I only have so much room, so here are a few handy tips: (don't let this list stand as the only options, it's just a few of the most common money savers)
Replace your windows which can increase a home's energy efficiency by up to 45% in winter. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 allows for "federal tax credits up to 30 percent (up to $1500) of the total purchase price for qualifying windows, doors and skylights (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_taxcredits) when used for remodeling or replacement in a taxpayer's primary U.S. residence". You need to look for products that are Energy Star-qualified by the E.P.A. or for one of the other new certification programs, such as EcoExcel from Anderson Windows. Other windows may not qualify for the credit so make sure to do your research... To make it easy, just click here (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_taxcredits).
However, for many of us, it is simply impossible to "replace" our windows at this juncture in our lives, but that doesn't leave us out in the cold. Another way you can cut your cost is nothing more than your shades or curtains. Not just any shade or curtain but one of these choices:
∙Cellular Shades (http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&safe=off&num=100&q=Cellular+shades+honeycomb+description&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=pnvDSqrEFY3klAeSn6TcBA&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=5&ved=0CDAQrQQwBA) with the air-trapping, honeycomb design;
∙Thermal Roller Shades (http://www.google.com/products?q=Thermal+Roller+Shades&hl=en&aq=f);
∙Heavy Drapes (like good blankets, the more layers the better) AND JCPenny (http://www3.jcpenney.com/jcp/X3.aspx?deptid=70024&pcatid=70024&catid=70666&cattyp=SAL&dep=Home+Store&pcat=Home+Store&cat=View+All+Sales&refpagename=Default%252Easpx&refdeptid=&refcatid=&cmAMS_T=T1&cmAMS_C=C5&CmCatId=homepage) has 30-60% Off Window Items Thru 10/13.; and the cheapest option;
∙Bubble Wrap! Yes, bubble wrap, NOT foil. It may not make the outside of the house look better, but the inside of your pocket book will! And hey, you can even find colored bubble wrap (http://www.fast-pack.com/coloredwrap.html) to fit your decor! Just keep in mind colored bubble wrap will change the way the light enters your room! You simple cut the bubble wrap to fit the glass section of the window, spritz your window with plain tap water and press the wrap into place. Believe it or not, this increases your window's efficiency rating from an R-1 to an R-2! Now that's COOL!
Click Here for more Tips of the Day (http://www.yourgoodbuygirl.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2)