Is your basement cold, drafty or
damp? Do you have appliances that may be costing you more money than they need
to? Would you like to improve your comfort while saving energy and reducing
your utility bills? These energy saving tips for your basement just might be
the solutions you need to make your basement more cozy and energy efficient.
Reduce Humidity in the Basement
Does your basement smell musty?
Is there mold or mildew, condensation on windows, or rotting wood? If there is,
you most likely have a humidity problem. Increased humidity can make your space
uncomfortable, and cause or aggravate allergies from mildew, mold and mites.
The ideal relative humidity level for comfortable and healthy living is between
30 and 50 percent. If your relative humidity level is outside that range, you
may experience problems.
If you are experiencing high
levels of humidity, check that the vent from your clothes dryer is venting to
the outside, and not into your basement. Make sure that the ground outside
slopes away from the house and that all downspouts release water at least three
feet from the building. If you're still experiencing high humidity, you can use
a dehumidifier to remove the excess moisture from the air. Look for one with
the ENERGY STAR logo, which uses less energy than standard models and can save
you over $200 in energy costs over the life of the unit.
Energy Saving Tips for Your Water Heater
·
Lower the thermostat on your
water heater to 120F (many are set to 140F) or lower, and save over $350. You
won't notice a difference in the heat of your water, but you'll save money on
your energy bills.
·
Touch the tank on your water
heater. If it feels warm, you can save energy - and money - by installing an
insulating "jacket" or "blanket". Easy to install, it costs
around $10 to $20 and will pay for itself in energy savings within a year
(you'll save over $30 a year). Choose one with a minimum R-value of 8.
·
For additional savings, insulate
the hot water pipes coming out of the water heater to keep the water hot until
it reaches its destination - the tap. This is especially important where pipes
travel through uninsulated areas like crawlspaces.
·
Why pay to heat water when you're
not home? Before leaving on vacation, turn off your electric water heater, or
turn down your gas water heater.
·
If you're buying a new water
heater, save energy with a tank less water heater. Unlike traditional water
heaters that continually heat water and keep it on reserve in a tank for
whenever you may need it, tank less water heaters supply hot water only on
demand. You won't waste money heating water 24/7, and you'll always have hot
water when you need it.
Old Fridges Suck Energy
Do you have an old fridge running in your basement (or garage)? If you
do, it's costing you $90 or more to operate each year. Can you survive without
it? If you absolutely need a second fridge, consider getting a new, smaller
bar-sized fridge. New fridges are far more energy efficient than those
manufactured before 1993. How much is your old refrigerator costing you?
For maximum efficiency, keep your
fridge and freezer as full as possible. Unplug the fridge when it's empty and
remember to keep the fridge and freezer doors open when the fridge is
unplugged.
Seal Your Basement to Save Energy
A common place for air to escape your home, or for drafts to occur, is
around vents, ducts, pipes and electrical wires that lead to the outside.
To increase your home's
energy efficiency and lower your energy bills, seal small gaps with caulk, and
fill holes up to three inches with spray foam. For gaps or holes larger than
three inches, cover with foam board and seal with spray foam. Be sure to seal
all areas between the sill plate and the foundation, and in the spaces between
rim joists. Basements are a common place for significant air leaks. You can
really improve your home's energy efficiency. Save money on your energy bills,
and help the environment by sealing all the leaks in your basement and the rest
of your home.
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