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Reduce High Energy Bills
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By Dave Rongey
Summary: Checking your home's insulation is one of the fastest and most cost-efficient ways to use a whole-house approach to reduce energy waste and make the most of your energy dollars. © By: Dave Rongey |
Insulate Your Home Against High Energy Bills
A good insulating system can help keep your home warm during winter and cool during summer.
Check the insulation in your attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawl spaces to see if it meets the levels recommended for your area.
(Insulation is measured in R-values — the higher the R-value, the better your walls and roof will resist the transfer of heat.) Consider factors such as your climate, building design, and budget when selecting insulation R-value.
The easiest and most cost-effective way to insulate your home is to add insulation in the attic.
Check out Insulation and Air Sealing for more tips.
Insulation and Sealing Air Leaks
A good insulating system includes a combination of products and construction techniques that protect a home from outside temperatures—hot and cold, protect it against air leaks, and control moisture. You can increase the comfort of your home while reducing your heating and cooling needs by up to 10% by investing in proper insulation and sealing air leaks.
Should I Insulate My Home?
The answer is probably "yes" if you:
- Have an older home and haven't added insulation. Only 20% of homes built before 1980 are well insulated.
- Are uncomfortably cold in the winter or hot in the summer—adding insulation creates a more uniform temperature and increases comfort.
- Build a new home, addition, or install new siding or roofing.
- Pay high energy bills.
- Are bothered by noise from outside—insulation muffles sound.
Where to Insulate
Adding insulation in the areas shown above may be the best way to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
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Residential Electrical Parts and AccessoriesLight Switches 120volt Outlets Circuit Breakers Electrician Tools Voltage Testers |
