Some questions you might have.

by Don Ames

Insulation?

Would adding insulation to my homes attic, floor, walls or heat ducts be beneficial in making my home more comfortable and energy efficient? How much does insulation cost and how do I find a good contractor? Are there any rebates or other incentives to help me pay for adding insulation to my home?

Heating and Cooling?

If my heating system was upgraded, would I save money on my power bill? How much could I save? Which is better in my situation – a heat pump or a gas furnace? Can solar energy help me reduce my heating & cooling cost? I have heard about sealing heating ducts – what exactly is that?

Air Sealing?

I’ve heard of air sealing, but how do I locate a contractor that really knows what he is doing? Besides the entrance doors, what else in my house could benefit from air sealing? It always feels cooler by the window, does that mean I need to replace the window?

Appliances?

What is an energy star rated appliance? My refrigerator is 12 years old, would a new one cost less to operate? I have an old freezer in the garage, how can I tell how much it is costing me to operate? I have heard of phantom power, but what is it and how do I lessen the effect of phantom power? I would like to treat myself and get a big screen TV – will my electric bill go up much if I get one?

Windows and Doors?

Can double pane vinyl windows make my house feel warmer in cold weather? I see windows rated at U-35 and others at U-30, which one has better insulation values? How is the best way to keep cold air from coming in around my front door? I have a double pane window that always looks cloudy, whats wrong with it?

Water heater?

Is it true that a 50 gallon water heater costs less than a 40 gallon water heater? Would an on-demand tankless water heater be a good choice for my home? My water heater already has insulation inside the outer jacket, should I add more insulation around the outside? Should I turn my water heater off at night to save power?

Window Covering?

My living room heats up in the summer with the sun shining through - is there anything I can do that will keep the heat out but will still allow me to see? Do window drapes really help keep the cold out and the heat in?

Recycling?

How important is recycling to the conservation of energy? I know how to recycle cardboard, but what should I do with burned out compact flourescent light bulbs?

Solar Power?

My electric bills are really high, how many solar panels would I need to install on my house to really make a difference? I have a gas water heater, can I use solar power to help heat the water? Do I need permission from my electric provider to install solar panels? Will my electric provider pay me for the power I produce? I know I need solar panels to produce solar power, what else do I need?

Wind Power?

In my location, is wind power something I should seriously consider? What happens to a wind generator when the wind blows really hard? Can I install a wind generator on the roof of my house?