The importance of saving energy can’t be emphasized enough. The planet is really in peril. If that doesn’t move you, perhaps you’ll care that energy relates to our national security (or your national security if you’re in a different country – this problem is global, not just American). Or perhaps you simply want to lower your expenses, an understandable goal in these tough economic times.
So far I've posted diaries on saving energy in the kitchen, the bathroom, the laundry room, keeping warm, electronics, lighting, going on vacation and driving. A lot of you shared your tips, too and they can be accessed here:
Other Diaries with Other Tips Here
Today I'd like to focus on insulation and weather-stripping and caulking. These things are great in that after you do it, you don't need to think about it. In other words, you make an effort but you don't have to keep changing your behavior afterwards.
Also, if you have information to share, please do!
Insulation keeps your dwelling from losing heat through the walls, roof, etc. The heat loss takes place through materials that are already there - it's usually a matter of making these materials thicker, trapping more air, etc. You can test to see if you need it, especially in a room that is warmer or colder compared to the rest of the house.
Weather-stripping and caulking blocks cracks and drafts. Put your hands around the edges of your doors and windows and other places in your dwelling - especially on windy days - to determine if you have a draft. Another method is to light incense and hold it near these areas and see how the smoke goes..
San Diego Tips on Insulation (and other stuff too)
More than half of the energy used for heating is lost through uninsulated walls, floors, ceilings and attics. Personal note: We converted a porch into a study for me. As a very exposed room in AZ, it was not useable during the summer and the winter - until we put some tiles on the ceiling!
Adding additional insulation to the ceilings, walls and floors of your home traps heat inside during the winter and keeps heat outside during the summer.
Inspect your home's HVAC duct system to be sure they're properly connected, sealed tightly and well insulated.
Caulking and weather stripping your doors and windows is an efficient energy saving tip.
Caulk and seal air leaks where plumbing, ducts or electrical wires penetrate the exterior walls, floors and ceilings.
Install the ready-made foam insulating pads inside your receptacle and switch plate covers to keep out the winter cold and summer heat.
Seal cracks in your basement walls and floor to keep heat in and cold air out.
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OK, these may be tips but how do you actually apply them? What if you're not handy about these things? Well, you can always try finding someone who knows about these things. But here are some resources:
Information on insulating including links to videos
How to do weatherstripping
If you can't do these things yourself, well, these days there are plenty of contractors out of work.