From a faucet that drips to a loose handle on the toilet, there can be numerous places to check for water drips that can save water and save you hundreds of dollars a year.
"Household leaks can waste more than 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide, so remind people to chase down their household leaks. Of course you can race over to your plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems, fix the leaks, and save valuable water and money all year long.
You don't have to be extra handy around the house to take care of most leaks. Common types of leaks found in the home are worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves. These types of leaks are often easily correctable, requiring only a few tools and hardware that can pay for themselves in water savings.
"Appliances and electronics have come a long way in terms of energy efficiency. But are yours a secret energy drain? Learn how to save energy (and money).
Inspect appliances to estimate their energy efficiency. Energy.gov has a tool to help you get started.
For household electronics, consider these tips to reduce costs and usage: a. Unplug electronics (coffee makers, toasters, etc.) when they aren’t in use since they can pull energy even when turned off. b. Utilize electronics only when needed. Install timers or smart plugs to automatically turn off devices you don’t need at certain times of day. c. Consider replacing old electronics with more energy-efficient models."
"Replacing your home’s lighting is a simple way to save money on your energy bills. Find out which bulbs are best.
With the major energy drains of your home taken care of (see Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 of the series), you can move on to smaller projects. And while it may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, replacing your lighting is a simple way to save hundreds of dollars on your energy bills each year. Lighting is also the easiest (and quickest) way to increase your home’s energy efficiency.
The 3 best light bulbs to use
Halogenincandescent bulbs are a more energy-efficient choice than traditional incandescent bulbs. They’re also the most common type of bulbs. An “old” 60-watt incandescent BR30 costs about $8 a year to run (based on 3 hours of use per day)."
"Insulation is key to ensuring your home is energy efficient. But without proper insulation, you could be losing a great deal of energy through your ceiling and attic. Find out if you are (and how to fix it).
Insulation is key to ensuring your home is energy efficient. Without proper insulation, you could be losing a great deal of energy through your ceiling and attic, where the majority of air usually escapes.
Check for rust on the ductwork of your heating and cooling units (inside the house and in the attic, wherever they may be). Shine a flashlight inside the ducts and if you notice any signs of rust, have the ducts cleaned.
Examine the ducts for dirt and grimebuildup to ensure the unit isn’t trying to strain or push out dirty air. If there are dirt streaks on the exterior of the duct work, that may be an indication of an air leak.
Make sure the air filter return in the home is snug and fits. When replacing air filters, go for a pleated filter, which catches more dust and allergens and allows the unit to function properly."
Buying a home can be an exciting time. It can also be nerve-wracking and extremely time consuming: you have to find a home within your budget that’s the right size and layout, with curb appeal to boot.
Something you might overlook, however, is the home’s energy consumption — a source of hidden monthly costs that can add up to higher bills and less spending cash.
Performing an energy audit on a home is key to reducing your monthly costs and ensuring efficiency in all areas. It can help distinguish between user-based energy and energy wasted through leaks or outdated lighting and equipment. An energy audit can also significantly reduce your bills in the long run and help you save money, according to the budget experts at Money Crashers.
"The do-it-yourself ethos is one we heartily applaud. Most services provided by home maintenance pros aren't cheap, so taking care of small fixes on your own can save you big bucks. But sometimes the DIY route can wind up costing you more in the end. Here are 10 cases when you should put down your tool kit—and pick up the phone
Replacing Windows and Exterior Doors
Poorly installed doors and windows cause air leaks and end up costing you a lot of green on your heating bills. If you're not sure what you're doing, hire a pro who can get it right the first time. You'll rest easier knowing that your house is sealed up tight and you're not letting money trickle out through the cracks"
SERVPRO of Oxnard provides 24 hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any size disaster in Oxnard Ca. We can respond immediately to youe emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.
24/7 Emergency Service
