3 DIY Quick, Easy and Cheap Projects to Improve Energy-Efficiency

Along with the simple tips below, I was blown away by noticeable savings in my electric bill after switching out all of our old light bulbs. There are so many more choices than there used to be, check energy.gov to find out more. Be sure to check with your local power company as well, many if not most power companies will subsidize the purchase of energy efficient light bulbs. After substantial power company discounts we purchased several boxes (enough change all the bulbs in the house and have backups for quite a while) at .97 cents for each box of 4 bulbs! ~Bill

(BPT)—You don’t need to hire a professional to make your home more energy-efficient.

We’ll say it again: You don’t need to hire a professional to make your home more energy-efficient. In fact, with just a few tools, most homeowners can greatly reduce their monthly utility costs, as well as lessen their home’s carbon footprint, by DIY-ing energy-saving projects around the home. For example:

Replace Worn Weather Stripping – Replacing worn weather stripping on doors and windows not only prevents cold drafts in your home, but also helps save on heating costs. To remove old stripping, simply heat caulk with a hair dryer to loosen, and use a paint scraper to peel away the old layer.

Swap Furnace Filter – Before you turn on your furnace for the season, check the filter. If it looks dirty, it needs to be replaced—the average cost of a new filter is $10. Regularly changing the filters in your heating system can drastically improve both its longevity and efficiency. If using your heat daily, aim to replace the filter every four to six weeks. Look for filters rated 13, the highest efficiency rating recommended for residential buildings.

Cover Bare Floorboards and Tile – Non-insulated floors cause up to 10 percent of a home’s energy loss. If you have wooden or tile floors, consider adding area rugs to help reduce some of that loss. If you spot cracks or gaps in the floor, apply a silicone-based filler to seal.

Source: Bernzomatic