Ingenious Heating and Cooling Ideas

You might be worried about the increasing expense of heating and cooling your house. You have the right to worry since the end of the increase in energy prices is not yet clear. Thus, the idea of a house that has the ability to cut energy cost is a welcome development.

Ideas that could save you money on energy bills are possibly some of the best that have come out lately from home development experts. And if you fear that somehow following their recommendations will result to additional expenses or perhaps an awkward looking house, think again, because they involve simple things which you yourself can do and you do not have to install additional structures and things like that. All you have to do to accomplish the feat - reducing your energy bills - is to give special attention to some areas and the materials that you use around the house.

But how do you that? What energy saving home improvement measures can you do to reduce the dreaded bills? Let us explore some of the ways which you can accomplish quite easily.

Sealing: replacing the weather strip

Doors have tendency to leak the heat or cold air inside your house. It escapes under gaps between doors and floors. The problem is worst involving exterior doors. The air conditioning or heater works overtime to compensate for the escaping heat or cold air. You probably use rugs to seal gaps but replacing the weather strip is the best remedy. It is more effective in preventing air leaks, they last longer, quite affordable and most important easy to install.

Inspect window seals, basement and the foundation of the house for gaps, cracks and holes. These are the main sources of air leaks that keep you cold or hot even when the air conditioner or heater is set at maximum levels. To remedy this problem, all you have to is to buy a caulk and a gun to seal, plug and fill the gaps. You spend perhaps 10 bucks but you gain more in comfortable sleep and reduced bills. It is simple but effective, don't you think?

Insulation

Having an adequate insulation is another way of reducing your energy bills and saving some of your hard earned money. A lot of people think that insulation is only good during winter but the fact is that during summer you also need to keep the cool air inside the house or else you air conditioner works overtime and consumes excessive energy. Insulating is a do it yourself undertaking. If your attic lacks insulation, roll insulation is ideal. Measure the appropriate width and length and simply roll out the insulation and rest assured your energy bills will no longer give you headaches like before.

Or you can choose blow insulation and hire some professional to do wall installation for you. This is sometimes tricky since there are spots that are hard to reach, so it is perhaps best that somebody with the expertise do the job. Blow insulation is also applicable to basements and attics. The professional installer may cost you money but in the long run, you stand to save more through reduced energy bills.

There are other simple ways to cut energy cost. You have to study them. The little efforts spent on these things can make your home more livable and cost efficient as well.