Next time you're out running errands, keep these five items on your list of things to buy, and you could start seeing the savings in no time:
- Window insulation kit. Properly sealing drafty windows not only increases the comfort of your home, but may also significantly decrease your energy bills. Insulating windows is an inexpensive and effective way to keep warm air in and cold air out. Choose a product that can easily fit a variety of window sizes, such as the Roll-On Window Kit by Duck Brand, which requires no measuring and minimal cutting and is practically invisible.
- Programmable thermostat. A pre-programmed device allows you to control the temperature of your home year-round. According to Energy Star, homeowners can save around $180 a year by properly setting their programmable thermostats and maintaining those settings.
- Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Switch out incandescent light bulbs with CFLs, which use at least 75 percent less energy. You can find CFLs that last up to 10,000 hours -; about 10 times longer than standard incandescent light bulbs. Try the n:vision line, which includes soft white, bright white and daylight energy-efficient bulbs, so you can find just the right light for any room in your house.
- Insulation. Inadequate insulation in your home may allow cool air to escape in the summer and warm air to be lost in the winter, potentially overworking your heating and cooling systems. Add insulation in the attic, crawl spaces, ceilings and exterior walls to help save energy, reduce your operating costs and keep your home comfortable.
- Furnace filters. Replacing or cleaning furnace filters once a month during the winter will help your heating system operate more efficiently and can keep harmful bacteria, mold, viruses and pollen out of the air. Furnace filters are available in multi-packs, so you can always have one on-hand. You could also consider installing a permanent furnace filter, which is washable and cuts down on waste by eliminating the need for throwaway fiberglass screens.
For a minimal investment, you could see hundreds of dollars in energy savings throughout the year. One trip to the store and a few minutes at home are all it takes to make small changes that really add up.
Grants For Energy Savings
And what's more, does the insulation you're using meet and pass building regulations? When you consider the fact that over 70% of properties in Ireland are either lacking in insulation or inadequately insulated you'll see why it makes sense to consider retrofitting.
Retrofitting means applying new insulation technology (foam, spray foam, blown in, foam board) to older systems so as to improve energy efficiency and save you money.
Did you know ~
•75% of costly heat escapes through walls and attics that are either poorly insulated or have no insulation!
•Building regulations call for 300mm (l0") loft insulation60mm
•Polystyrene board no longer meets wall insulation requirement of U-Value
•You might qualify for a grant under the Greener Homes Scheme (GHS) Click here to find out.
•Retrofitting insulation helps you save a considerable amount of money each year.
Deciding to retrofit your insulation lets you enjoy many benefits, including ~
•saving considerable money on your heat & electric bills
•enjoying your more comfortable home
•helping reduce your carbon footprint and slow climate change
So, why not save yourself money while helping the environment by carrying out simple insulation retrofitting (foam, spray, blown-in, foam board, etc.) and improving seals around windows and doors today.
You can begin to enjoy the benefits of retrofitting insulation in just one day – without any mess or bother… just a cosier, more energy efficient home.
Examples of Cost Effective Retrofit Upgrades
• Insulate floors, walls and attics
• Maximise day-light - passive solar heating
• Seal drafts and joints
• Location of radiators
• Reduce unnecessary ventilation e.g. through chimney
• Heating Controls
• Damp proofing
• Upgrade heating systems
Innovative Architectural Ironmongery to Design a Better, Brighter Building.
When you desire the best in architectural ironmongery products and accessories, whether for renovation, restoration, or construction, it's good to know that our team is ready to serve you with knowledge and the best value for money.
Whether you want restoration or architectural hardware, handles, knobs, locks, hinges, or knockers for doors, hardware for windows… NSS has all of your ironmongery needs handled!
The unique and abundant range of ironmongery products and accessories – for industrial, residential, or commercial buildings – include:
• door and window hardware with decorative accessories
• sliding door hardware
• sliding door gear
• barn door hardware
• security hardware
• hardware & accessories for cabinet, bathroom, & electrical fittings
Timber Window Systems for Demanding Architects
The finest architects prefer to choose exquisite quality, high-performance timber window systems – a luxury you cannot not afford – with sustainable energy ratings from leading manufacturers!
Because there are, unfortunately, too many ‘window systems' available of dubious quality and without the kind of energy ratings you are interested in, it'll be a relief to know that there are high-performance door or window systems you want in a wide variety of choices at your fingertips!
Sash, framed, energy-efficient… you need look no further for quality timber windows and doors, as you choose from an extensive range of design options and finishes.
It's also good to know that you can now get your hands on a new, maintenance-free, laminated timber window and door system from Holz Schiller, a top class German company who have been doing business since 1648!
This exciting, high-performance, energy-saving system, means joiners and architects can now recommend and use top quality, high-performance affordable Scandinavian style windows for the first time.
Creative Design Services to Make Your House Look Great
Only you know how much of a challenge it is to keep abreast of all the products and developments for sustainable energy construction. It can become a full-time job all by itself!
The good news is: it need no longer be.
That's where we come in. Because there are experts in the use of leading innovative sustainable energy products available in Ireland, it makes sense for you to let them assist you in your investigation, design, evaluation and report for the built and to be built environment.
You will also benefit when you ask us to conduct energy audits of buildings in order to integrate sustainability in your projects using the most visually appealing and most competitively priced products.
Some of the main areas customers focus on when searching for assistance with technical construction projects include:
Both Ron Roberts & Stephan Wall are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Ron Roberts has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Improvement, Home Improvement and Recreation and Sports. Ron Roberts is a writer of ">TrueBlueContractors.com allows. Ron Roberts's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.
Stephan Wall has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Home Improvement and Home Management. This article was written by Stephen Wall of NationalSeal – http://www.nationalseal.ie - .. Stephan Wall's top article generates over 2400 views. to your Favourites.
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