LITTLE ROCK – Now that all the gifts have been opened and the holiday bills are waiting to be paid, it’s the perfect time to winterize homes and start saving some money in the process.
The average American family wastes 20 percent to 40 percent of its energy payments for energy that is lost through insufficient insulation, uncontrolled leakage and failing ductwork, according to the Department of Energy. That means that for a household spending an average of $185 per month on electricity and natural gas service, proper weatherization could possibly save them between $444 and $888 a year.
“Consumers can lower their utility bills simply by taking a few steps to make their homes more energy efficient,” said Attorney General Dustin McDaniel. “Doing so can really make a difference, especially when it comes to heating homes during the winter months.”
To help Arkansans capitalize on those savings, McDaniel issued a consumer alert recently with tips to make homes more energy- and cost-efficient this winter:
• Keep warm air in. Warm air rises, so one of the most effective ways to reduce your heating bill is to make sure you have adequate insulation in your attic, attic stairwell and basement. When inspecting and buying home-insulation products, look for the R-value. The minimum R-value recommended is R-30 for an attic, R-11 for walls R-19 for raised floors and R-4.2 for ductwork. Insulating heating ducts in unheated areas, such as attics and crawlspaces can prevent heat loss of up to 60 percent at the registers.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
• Keep cold air out. Seal cracks or gaps around windows, electrical outlets and outside walls with caulk or another insulating product. Close your fireplace damper when not in use. If you can afford it, replace older windows, especially if they rattle or if you can feel a draft. If you can’t afford that, consider adding storm windows. If that’s still too expensive, clear plastic sheeting can be used to seal windows. Also, be sure to close vents that lead to a crawl space under your home.
• Maintain and maximize your heating system. Have your heating system serviced at least once a year to ensure that it is operating properly and change your furnace filter monthly. You can also lower the thermostat at night or when you are away to reduce usage. When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees. Doing so for eight hours a day can save around 10 percent a year on heating bills.
• Protect your water heater. On an average, it takes 14 percent of your overall utility bill to provide hot water. You can save money, however, by wrapping your water heater in a water heater jacket or blanket. You can also turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120 degrees) to save money. And, if you are replacing a water heater, consider doing so with a tankless, “on-demand” water heater.
• Take advantage of energy efficiency programs. Participation in your local utility’s energy efficiency program may allow you to get materials and installation at a significant discount. In addition, Energy Efficiency Arkansas offers tips, how-tos, and links to other programs that may reduce your costs for both your home and your business. Its website can be found at http://www.energyefficiencyarkansas.org/.
You can also contact your local electric or gas utility for additional information about energy efficiency programs. During the winter months, inevitably a host of products, high-end gadgets and other devices will flood the market, all with the claim that they can drastically reduce your home heating costs. Beware of products that make such claims. Also beware of unsolicited high-pressure sales calls or visits from contractors offering furnaces, windows, roofing and other home-improvement projects.
For more information on this or other consumer issues, contact the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s Office at (501) 682-2341 or (800) 482-8982 or visit our website at www.arkansasag.gov.