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Tips to Lower Your Energy Bills

Who doesn’t want to lower their heating and cooling bills? Even if you have already installed energy efficient windows and doors, there are still savings to be found. Here are some quick and easy tips on how to make your home more energy efficient.

Window Treatments

To maximize the energy efficiency of your windows, curtains and blinds can make a difference. Windows that get direct sunlight, especially from a southern exposure, can heat up a room. In the winter, keeping the curtains open during the day and closed at night can help reduce your heating costs; in the summer, closing the curtains during the hottest times of the day can help reduce your cooling costs. It’s that easy.

We also offer UV-blocking glass options that will minimize the effects of sunlight and protect your furnishing from fading.

Insulated Doors

If you are using a standard interior door for an attic, basement or garage, it may not provide enough insulation. Choose the right door for the right job. You don’t need much insulation between your hallway and the linen closet, but you may for the basement. We recommend using an exterior door for your garage. Not only will it be more energy efficient, but it will also be stronger and more secure. For an attic, basement or similar space, you can use either an exterior door or interior door with an insulated core.

Natural Ventilation

You can reduce your reliance on air conditioning by taking advantage of natural air currents. Hot air rises, and cool air sinks. If you have double-hung windows, open the top sashes on the sunny or warmest side of the room, and the bottom sashes on the cooler side: this will create a cross-breeze. The same principal may be applied to different floors in your house. Open the top floor windows on the hottest side of the house and the bottom floor windows on the coolest side. Ceiling or window fans can also help and still use less energy than air conditioning.

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