The power to save

As a first-time homebuyer, and one who snapped up a foreclosure at that, I’m gearing up for my first winter in my new home. It’s not just that I’m excited about spending my nights in front of my very own fireplace or cooking meals with friends in my very own kitchen —- I’m hoping my heating bills don’t deplete my very own wallet.

That’s why I was elated to learn that Georgia Power offers free energy audits to its customers. I recently met with energy consultant Rodney Welch in my Grant Park home, where he did a complete walk-through to assess changes I can make to save big on my bills.

An hour later, I was armed with a written report on the fixes I could make (using materials as simple as duct tape or plexiglass) to save at least 10 percent on my energy bills, though likely much more once I replace incandescent light bulbs and learn to properly clean my refrigerator coils.

My condo in the woods scored a B-plus for overall energy efficiency, though Welch said I could have scored an “A” if he had had access to my attic. (Full disclosure: Energy consultants don’t typically give letter grades; my overly eager self simply wanted one.)

Now not only do I have a head-start on keeping winter heating bills low, but I sleep peacefully knowing that my leap of faith foreclosure investment was my best decision yet.

Some highlights and lessons learned:

DOORS:

Problem: Heat loss seeping through worn weather-stripping.

Solution: Replace weather-stripping every two to three years, more frequently if it begins to fray.

Bonus tip: If you can see daylight coming through the door cracks or can feel cool air when you run your hand down the seam of the door, time to replace the weather-stripping.

WINDOWS:

Problem: One window seam not tightly sealed, allowing heat to escape.

Solution: Touch up caulking around windows if you feel a breeze.

Bonus tip: Insulated double-paned windows cut down on heat loss, a bonus in Leslie’s favor. Welch added that wood blinds are also the best for energy-efficiency, but keep them open during winter days to allow maximum light (heat) into the house.

LIGHT BULBS:

Problem: Standard incandescent light bulbs use up to 75 percent more energy than ENERGY STAR certified fluorescent models.

Solution: Replace older lights with compact fluorescent light bulbs, saving up to $30 per lifetime of each bulb.

FIREPLACE:

Problem: Air escaping through minuscule cracks in fireplace.

Solution: With fireproof caulk, touch up seam of fireplace where the tile facing meets the mantel. Welch also advised installing a pane of plexiglass in front of the fireplace to keep warm air from escaping into the chimney. (While you’re at it, make sure your damper is closed.)

Bonus tip: To see if your fireplace needs to be recaulked, run a piece of paper between the seam of the mantle and fireplace facing. If the paper can enter that seam, recaulk to cut down on heat loss. Further, Welch advises against using fireplaces on the coldest days as existing heat in your home will quickly escape. If you insist, lower your thermostat to 65 degrees.

REFRIGERATOR:

Problem: Forgetting to clean refrigerator vent and coils.

Solution: Using a bottle brush, clean the coils every six months to keep the refrigerator temperature cooler and running quietly. “It’s almost like getting your oil changed,” Welch said.

Bonus tip: While you’re at it, check the door seal to make sure no air is escaping.

SPACE HEATING:

Problem: Master bedroom doesn’t heat as evenly as rest of home, leaving the room chilly at night.

Solution: Instead of turning up the thermostat to heat entire home, try an upright oil-filled radiator space heater for zone heating. That or sleep in a parka.

FURNACE:

Problem: Exposed edge of filter is uncovered, allowing dirt and particles from the crawlspace to enter the air system.

Solution: Welch suggests this quick fix: Cover the space where you insert the filters with a strip of duct tape. This should save up to 10 percent on energy bills, he said. And remember to replace filters every three months.

THERMOSTAT RULES

Georgia Power recommends customers set thermostats to 68 degrees in winter and 78 degrees in summer. Energy consultant Rodney Welch advises not to adjust the temperature more than four degrees on a daily basis; when vacationing in cold months, lower the thermostat six degrees.

MORE WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY

> Add foam gaskets to the back of outlet plates for extra insulation.

> If pipes under the kitchen sink run through the wall, use spray foam to ensure warm air doesn’t escape outside.

> In the summer, run ceiling fans 24/7 to keep temperatures six degrees cooler.

> Insulate hot water heater with an insulation jacket or blanket.

> Make sure furniture, curtains and rugs don’t block the flow of air from vents and air registers.

> Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators to reduce water consumption by up to 50 percent.

> Consider installing storm doors, which create a pocket of insulated air space between the door and the storm door, helping to reduce heat transfer into and out of the home.

For additional information, including to request a free in-home energy audit (you must be a Georgia Power customer), call 1-800-524-2421.

Source: Georgia Power