Lower Your Utility Bills and Help the Planet

(ARA) - Not only is the price of just about everything going up, experts tell us that the planet is also heating up. However, there are simple steps you can take to lower your utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint at home without making drastic changes to your lifestyle.

Assess the Situation
Before you can address the amount listed on your utility bills, you need to find out how much energy your home consumes. Having a home energy audit will show you the problems that may, when fixed, save you money over time. A professional energy auditor will show you where your house is losing energy, determine the efficiency of heating and cooling systems and show you how to conserve hot water and electricity.

A home energy audit is inexpensive and a rebate may even be available through your utility company.

Seal it Up
Hot air leaks in, heating a cooled home, and air conditioned air leaks out. Sealing cracks and openings in your home can reduce heating and cooling costs and improve your indoor air quality. Your local hardware store can show you the right materials for sealing cracks around doors, windows, walls and attics.

Your home should also be insulated from top to bottom. Insulation also helps fill in small cracks and unseen crevices. Pay special attention to attic spaces, ducts, basements and crawl spaces.

Shade it Out
Using windows efficiently, especially newer, energy-efficient windows, can reduce the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours. A little creative shading of south-facing windows from the sun also allows for moderation of seasonal temperatures without running an air conditioner.

Adding a retractable awning to a bright outdoor patio or deck space not only shades you from the sun when lounging or eating outdoors, but efficiently shades windows from searing heat. A Durasol SunShelter retractable awning provides on-demand solar protection by allowing you to choose as much or as little shade as you'd like. Put the awning out during the sun's peak hours and prevent the light from heating your home. Not having to turn on the air conditioner during these hours can save a substantial amount on your utility bill. A Durasol retractable awning also turns your deck, patio or terrace into an attractive and comfortable living space.

Another option is a solar shading system such as an interior or exterior DuraShade, a retractable solar screen system that protects against solar glare and heat gain--reflecting up to 88 percent of solar energy. Indoor temperatures of homes protected by DuraShade systems can be up to 10 degrees cooler than those without solar shading. Additionally, solar screens increase privacy and provide protection from interior fading of window treatments, rugs and furnishings.

With just a little effort you can improve your home while reducing your utility bills and helping the planet be just a bit greener.

For more information on Durasol retractable awnings and DuraShade solar screens, visit Durasol.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent