The 9 ways to improve your home!

1. Insulate walls and attic

This can drastically reduce your energy bills by limiting the amount of cold or hot air from entering/escaping your home.

2. Upgrade/replace windows

Accoring to EnergyStar.com, replacing windows can save 7-24% off your heating/cooling bills. Look for windows that are low-e and double-paned. Also make sure that your windows are properly caulked/sealed or weather-stripped.

3. Plant shade trees or shrubs

For homes with less insulation, planting trees near your home can limit the amount of heat your home would receive in the summer as the bare branches in the winter would still allow for the sun's rays to penetrate your home.

4. Replace the old furnace

Furnaces bought before 1992 waste up to 35% of the fuel it burns. Furnaces instalalled after 1991 may be about 80% efficient. Switch to a condensing furnace that is 90% efficient and you can save around 27% off your heating bill.

5. Improve hot water efficiency

1.) Turn down the heat setting to warm (120^o or less)

2.) Insulate your hot water tank.

3.) Use low flow fixtures for showers and sinks.

4.) Put a timer on your heater.

5.) Switch to a tankless heater.

6.) Use cold water when possible( when brushing teeth, washing clothes....etc.. when brushing teeth, turn off water until ready to rinse, this will save up to 8 gallons of water.

6. Replace incandescent light   bulbs with CFL's

Cfl's can save 3/4 off your electric bill. They use less energy and are just as bright. An average life span of a cfl is about 10,000 hours and cost around $22 in it's life time. An incandescent bulb only lasts for about 1,000 hours and cost upwards around $80 in it's life time.

7. Do not keep your old fridge after you by a new one

New energy star fridges may cost $30-$60 a year to run whereas your old one may cost $50-$150 a year to run.

8. Take advantage of tax incentives

Check out http://www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm for these incentives. Now is the best time to improve your home. The U.S. government is giving out these incentives and people are saving big!

9. Energy audit

Schedule to make an energy audit with a credited auditor and you will find the specific parts to your home that need the most attention for when you decide to improve your home's efficiency.