The U.S. government’s Energy Star Website estimates that a handy homeowner can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs (or reduce total annual energy bill 10%) by adding weather sealing and insulation in the home to prevent energy loss.
Plastic Window Insulation
Inexpensive and easy to install shrink film can keep your heat from flying out the window this winter. Window insulation kits are typically in stock at home supply and hardware stores, and, for less than ten dollars, you can usually get a kit that will insulate 5 standard size windows or at least one extra large window. See the Suite101 article Plastic Window Insulation for specific instructions on how to install this money saver.
Insulated Roman Blinds and Curtains
Another cost-effective way to help reduce your home’s energy loss is to invest in insulated window coverings. These can be helpful even if you already have insulated windows. Like plastic window insulation, padded blinds and curtains create an air pocket between your window pane and the curtain barrier, buffering temperature exchange between your home and the great outdoors.
The cost of insulated blinds and curtains of course varies, depending on the number and size of your windows. Standard window are much less expensive to cover, with per-window cost usually under $100. Large window of odd sizes can cost substantially more.
Roll Out the Insulation
Well-insulated attic space will protect your home from both the heat of summer and the cold of winter, and it is very easy to install yourself. Just be sure to wear a disposable jumpsuit and a dust mask.
Cellulose insulation is very cost-effective and environmentally friendly. This recycled, organic, loose-fill insulation is blown into walls and attics. It is usually composed of recycled newspaper which has been treated with a flame retardant. Depending on the amount of insulation that you purchase, most home supply stores will either allow you to use the blower at no cost or will charge you a nominal rental fee that is well worth it.
Fiberglass roll insulation is available in short batts for use in tight spaces as well as longer stretches that will quickly cover open spaces. It can even be purchased completely wrapped in plastic sheathing to allow for itch-free installation.
Cost is variable depending on the amount needed, but for do-it-yourself insulation of the attic space of an average home, insulation would cost approximately one to three hundred dollars.
Sealing Other Leaks
Air leaks and drafts around windows and doors are often easy to find because they are easy to feel. Sealing these leaks with caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping will have a great impact on improving your comfort and reducing utility bills.
You may be worried about the possibility of sealing your house too tightly, but this is very unlikely, particularly in older homes. If you are concerned about how tightly sealed your home is, hire a Home Energy Rater to do a home energy efficiency audit and assess your home's actual leakage.
More Low-Cost Energy-Efficient Changes
For more information on quick fixes that you can make in your home, see the Suite 101 article Energy Efficient Home and the U.S Government’s Energy Star website. For other doable home improvement projects, look to Boy’s Room Decorating Ideas and Chalkboard Paint Ideas.
Tami Port - Tami Port is a college professor of cell and microbiology and creator of ScienceProfOnline.com, a free science education website.
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