Whatever energy system you use to power your home, you want it to perform at top-level efficiency. This means you don't want to waste energy. Why pay for something you aren't getting any value from? So the very first thing you are going to do is a Home Energy Audit.
This simply means you will do a study of how energy is used and lost in your home. You can do the audit yourself. Hire a contractor. Or ask your energy provider.
How do you do it yourself? Take a good look around your home. The bad guys you will be on a mission to find are the drafts and leaks. And when you find them? You will need insulation, caulking and weatherstripping to give 'em a beating.
The obvious places are windows and doors. If you feel cold air blowing a gale around either one of these, grab a caulking gun and fire. You may want to consider replacing windows and doors if do-it-yourself measures won't cut it.
And don't forget to check around fireplace dampers, window air conditioners, gaps around pipes and electrical outlets, vents and attic hatches. Anywhere and everywhere there is an opening, picture money squeezing out
Most energy is lost through ceilings and walls. You'll want to find out what kind of insulation is in your home and if it's up to snuff for your climate. If you have your building plans, check the R value of your home when it was built. This is the laboratory standard which describes the insulation's resistance to heat transfer. You may want to consult an insulation contractor.
How's your heating and/or cooling system? If it's at least 15 years old, you should consider replacing your system with the newer, more energy-efficient models of today. I know it costs money now but you'll be amazed at the improvements.
Lighting accounts for at least 10% of your energy bill. Remember when your parents hounded you to turn off the lights when you left the room? Ok... They were right! Now you get to say it. Along with conserving light, buy the new compact fluorescent bulbs. They are said to last 10 times longer and use a quarter of the electricity.
If you're able to afford a professional contractor to do your energy audit, seriously consider it. Why? They have the knowledge and tools to give you the most bang for your buck. They will spot things you've missed. And don't forget. Your public utility company may do one for little or no cost.
Remember, you can't fix the economy of the nation. But you can do the best for your part of the world. Being self-sufficient will provide better financial security.
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