Just did my online energy survey

**Jaded** · 09-17-2007, 07:32 PM

My power company has an online energy survey you can take online to see where most of your money is going. Seems like 63% of mine is going to heating and cooling. Next 20% is to appliances.

Now I know that I need to find a way to lower my heating and cooling costs to lower my bill. My lighting only costs me $1 to $2 a month.

I'm glad to know what to concentrate on. I know I need to insulate the doors and windows more. I've got to get someone to help me figure out how to do that, since I have those sliding aluminum windows. Hard to insulate, but I'll figure it out.

I remember reading that insulated drapes are coming back in style due to their ability to control air escape during heating and cooling. Maybe I should hit some thrift stores and find some!

**baxjul** · 09-17-2007, 07:41 PM

That is good to know! At least now you know where all the money is going!

**Edna_E** · 09-17-2007, 08:20 PM

Great! I wish mine had that.

I've usually had that kind of windows also. There is a plastic film that you can stick around them with a sort of double faced tape (sometimes comes with it) and then use a hair dryer to "shrink" it that does a good job of insulating windows that you are sure you are not going to want to open (I didn't ever do my kitchen window, but did all the bedrooms and living room). Also, the thermal drapes do have the desired effect, but only when they are closed and they block alot of the light. If you still want that effect and can't find them at a thrift store, you could also block the air (and again light) with a throw rug (or beach towels or any heavy fabric) that is a little bigger than the window - I used a staple gun when I did that. Also, fill some old tube socks (or a cute tube of nicer fabric) with rice or beans or grain and put them along the bottoms of unsealed windows and doors. Or you can get weatherstripping to put along the edges of doors (and don't forget the top). Basically, if you can see ANY light, the cold air is coming in there. And, if you REALLY get into it, take a look at where things like the water pipes come in through the walls - often that is not closed off at all well, and sealing that off can block the escape of your nice warm air. Then too, I wear thermals and sweats and socks at home, and keep my thermostat low, and am careful about turning off lights if I leave a room for at least 1/2 hour. And my final tip is, if you have appliances that have a remote so you can turn them off and on, or a microwave that has a clock, those appliances use a small amount of power even when they are "off" so you actually have to unplug them to keep them from using any power.

Good luck! Let me know how it goes!