Date: Sep. 16th, 2009
Contact: Keith Pandolfi
1. CHOKE YOUR CHIMNEY
COST: Free
BENEFITS: A tightly closed damper prevents up to 8 percent of furnace-heated air from going up the chimney
PAYBACK TIME: Immediate
2. SEAL AIR LEAKS
COST: $30-$50 for materials
BENEFITS: Save 10 percent or more - $50 to $170 a year - on heating bills
PAYBACK TIME: Six months to one year.
3. SHOW YOUR HEATING SYSTEM SOME LOVE
COST: $75 TO $100 for the tune-up. A gallon of mastic duct sealant costs $25; foil-backed tape costs about $7 a roll.
BENEFITS: Furnace tune-ups save up to 10% or more on heating bills; sealing ductwork reduces air leakage by 15 percent and heating bills from 3 to 10 percent
PAYBACK TIME: One heating season
This article can be found at: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20169070,00.html
4. GIVE IN TO ENERGY STAR
COST: Energy Star Fridges start at around $399 for a top-ount and $899 for a side-by-side. Clothes washers cost $600 adn up; dishwashers start at around $230
BENEFITS: Save $80 per hear in energy costs for the fridge, $110 annually on utility costs for the clothes washer, and $4 a year on utilities for the dishwasher
PAYBACK TIME: About five years for the fridge, seven to eight years for the closthes washer, and eight years for the dishwasher
5. MAKE YOUR ATTIC MORE CUSH
COST: About $300 for added insulation
BENEFITS: Save 30 percent on energy bills
PAYBACK TIME: Three to five years
6. EMBRACE THE PELLET STOVE
COST: A Kozi Model 100 pellet stove costs about $2,000. Pellets: $6 for a $40 pound bag
BENEFITS: 50 percent or more off heating bills
PAYBACK TIME: Three to five years
7. TAKE CHEAPER SHOWERS
COST: An energy-efficient electric water heater runs around $750 installed.
BENEFITS: Save up to 20 percent on water heating bills
PAYBACK TIME: Three to four years
8. FIND SOME PERFECT STORMS
COST: $1,200 for a dozen
BENEFITS: Reduce heat loss by 25 percent or more. Easy to install and cheaper than replacement windows.
PAYBACK TIME: Two to five years.
9. ADDRESS THE BEAST IN THE BASEMENT (furnace)
COST: $2,000 to $3,000
BENEFITS: Increased energy savings and a quieter more comfortable home
PAYBACK TIME: Two to five years
10. SELL YOUR HOUSE (If you buy a certified Energy Star home)
COST: 1 to 3 percent more on construction costs
BENEFITS: The most energy efficient home on your block.
PAYBACK TIME: Immediate
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