Zillow Advice: Home Improvement - Saving energy & lowering your bills.

One other very easy thing ...

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 19:12:00 GMT

One other very easy thing we've done to save energy is to buy energy-efficient blinds for all our windows. From the research I've done, the best ones are the light-blocking cellular blinds, sometimes called honeycomb blinds. All the trapped air in the blinds acts as a good insulator. And, apparently, the light-blocking blinds are best because they're made with mylar, a plastic/metallic material that reflects heat well. Whenever we don't need light from the windows (like at night, when we're out of the house, and in rooms we rarely use), we keep the blinds shut. Even though we have double-pane windows that help insulate the house, that extra layer of insulation helps keep our heating and cooling costs a lot lower.

Some good advice that a lot ...

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 05:41:00 GMT

Some good advice that a lot of us can use - especially with winter nearing!

All good suggestions.I have ...

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 23:21:00 GMT

All good suggestions.

I have cut over 15% off my electric/gas utility bills this past year by performing many of the above suggestions.

Remember that there is a federal income tax credit for insulation and new windows up to $500. (see your tax consultant).

Here are three things that ...

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 04:56:00 GMT

Here are three things that affect your energy bills: (1) the weather, (2) the price of energy, and (3) the energy efficiency of your home. There is nothing you can do about the first two, but you can improve the energy efficiency of your home by having a professional energy audit. This could help reduce your energy use by an average of 25 percent, lower your energy bills up to $500 per year, and increase the comfort and value of your home.

What is a Professional Home Energy Audit?
An energy audit starts with an on-site inspection by a trained energy inspector (energy auditor) who will collect information relating to the energy features of your home. The inspection will take between one and two hours, depending on the size and condition of the home, and take into consideration:

Heating and central air conditioning systems: type, fuel used, age, size, efficiency.
Distribution system: duct leaks; length of uninsulated ducts or pipes; clock thermostat.
Air seal-up: air leakage of envelope; fireplaces.
Windows and skylights: size, number, orientation, frame condition, glazing, shades.
Insulation (ceilings, walls, floor): type and amount present, measure area that needs additional insulation.
Water heater and appliances: type, age, size, condition, fuel.
After the inspection, the data are analyzed to estimate how much money will be saved by each improvement, and what the improvements will cost. These estimates, based on the actual observations in the home, will take account of regional variations in weather, labor costs, and fuel prices.

How to Choose an Audit
Energy audits should result in an easy-to-understand report that includes a detailed analysis of each feature that could be improved, the estimated savings, costs, payback, and an explanation of how the upgrade reduces energy use. Additional features that enhance some audit reports include: help in finding contractors and financing, information about additional ways that homeowners can save energy with little or