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    How To Achieve - Part 2

    Here are examples of how different things in and around your home, some of your attentive TLC and inspections, choices and decisions, maintenance, repair and more can help you be cost, budget, savings and energy conscious – all at the same time.

    When basement wall insulation done well, for example that is not so commonly known, as some of the measures already mentioned, it can save you money (and energy).

    A preventative measure
    Blocking outdoor noise sources.
    Buffers and shelters your home against high outside temperatures in summer and cold temperatures in winter
    Deals effectively with humidity or precipitation
    Energy cost savings
    Indoor sources of moisture (people, showers, cooking,) and their effects are mitigated
    Limit mold build up and/or moisture damage
    Lower the risk of frozen water pipes
    Minimize uncomfortable drafts
    More comfortable
    No moisture problems
    Protection against water pipe breakage
    Quieter
    Reduce moisture-related problems
    Surface temperature of walls will stay closer to the desired room temperature
    Walls are warmer to the touch in winter

    Efficient central air conditioners may make all the difference in the world as well. Some states or provinces have programs where you can get a rebate for an old one when installing a more energy efficient A/C system into your home.

    Better control systems that improve the humidity and/or temperature control.
    Control mold and mildew
    Easier to maintain
    ENERGY STAR® label - outdoor condensing unit quieter.
    High-efficiency units
    More visually attractive
    Operate more quietly
    Properly sized for
    Reduce humidity
    Reduces energy consumption

    A well-insulated ceiling

    Adds comfort
    Blocks outdoor noise
    Deals well with seasonal and extreme weather realities, threats and challenges
    Fire-safety contributions
    Helps minimize uncomfortable drafts
    Lowers the risk of frozen water pipes
    Reduces heat loss through structure
    Reduces moisture-related problems, issues and concerns, even damage (outdoor and indoor)
    Reduces the likelihood of ice forming in attics or "ice dams" on top of the roof – minimizes roof damage

    Remains comfortable longer during power outages

    A crawlspace has to well-designed, in good condition and not contributing to any discomfort, added cost or energy waste

    Comfort
    Minimize uncomfortable drafts
    Block noise and fights moisture
    Watch out for un-insulated, leaky or poorly-installed crawlspace wall insulation
    Pipes will not freeze of well insulated and not exposed (especially in unheated areas)

    Efficient clothes washers
    Well insulated ducts
    Leakage of heat into the attic, escaping through the roof
    Melting snow and ice – forming dams and causing roof-leaks

    Well-sealed ducts improve the flow and temperature of the air delivered to rooms and adds comfort year-round.

    Other checklist items for you to pay close attention to as you go about thinking about conserving energy, cutting consumption, boosting efficiencies and saving money and resources, include:

    Boiler Pipe Insulation
    Efficient LPG-fired Water Heaters
    Efficient Oil-fired Water Heaters
    Electric Water Heaters
    Floor Insulation
    Gas Furnaces
    Gas Water Heater
    Heat Pumps
    LPG Furnaces
    Oil Furnaces
    Programmable Thermostats
    Refrigerators
    Replacing Your Electric Furnace and CAC with a Heat Pump
    Room Air Conditioners
    Sealing Home Air Leaks
    Upgraded Wall Insulation
    Windows

    Your approach to making your home more energy and cost efficient, should start with the right attitude and aptitude, knowledge, know how, what to look for, how to find and identify it and then act and do the RIGHT THINGS RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!

    In short¡Ä when you want to conserve and save energy and dollars as a home-owner, while making the home more efficient *especially if it is a much older home, renovated (recently or not), even new, still off-plan or in progress¡Ä YOU WANT TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS THAT COUNT AND MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD.

    Here are some reality, process and progress checks for you to ask and answer to YOURSELF as you set out or continue on your efficiency quest for your home and hearth!

    You will have the desire and motivation
    A rough idea and concept of what to do
    Need and incentive (saving and conservation of energy and dollars, added efficiency and comfort)
    Ideas, recommendations of getting it into place, capitalizing and optimizing it to your advantage
    A PLAN TO GET IT DONE and sustain the savings!

    When people were recently asked about their homes and what they would most like to see in them, the responses might surprise you:
    Energy efficient (yes, it topped the list!) – SMART houses are gaining in popularity as people realize escalating costs, maintenance all add up through the years! Making wiser choices upfront at this point, will save lots of hassle and dollars later on goes the argument.

    Other considerations included:

    Functional
    Aesthetically pleasing
    Cost-effective
    Well-built, sturdy and long-lasting
    Durable and strong
    Healthy
    Comfortable

    With some of the options, supplies and products, services out there today, you can go a long way of getting all of the above, for a fraction of the cost of what it used to be!

    Make how energy is used, utilized, consumed, wasted (or not!) a top priority in your home and you will start reaping the reward in more places than merely your pocketbook.

    Here is a checklist for your walk-about if you have not yet done so, to review or evaluate your house for energy efficient or defective occurrences and realities that you will have to deal with!

    TAKING A HOLISTIC VIEW OF THE WHOLE HOUSE or building ¡Èsystem¡É, its parts and components, areas and structure, its core, outer shell, affixtures, strong, in good repair, cost-effective
    All areas and aspects of the house, interior, exterior, roof, basement/foundation, windows, doors, walls, floors etc.
    Coverings and aesthetics, roof
    Mechanical
    Electrical
    Appliances
    Fixtures
    Lighting
    Heating and cooling

    Tougher building codes to encourage energy efficiency and savings are now increasingly making its way into the construction industry, but also older homes need attention.

    ``We will basically have to unlearn everything we've learned over the last 30 years and retrain virtually our (entire) industry workforce
    to build houses to a higher energy-efficiency standard.''

    Victor Hiume, president of the Ontario Home Builders Association
    "Rising oil prices and higher heating bills
    have caused consumers to search for meaningful ways
    to reduce their home heating cost."

    Michael Lotesto, president of Illinois-based Performance Exteriors

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