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MILWAUKEE/NARI OFFERS 10 WAYS TO TRIM ENERGY BILLS
March 5, 2010

Homeowners can cut down their energy consumption and save money in a number of ways, according to members of the Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council, Inc., the area’s leading home improvement and remodeling industry resource for more than 48 years. Some ideas are newer, while others are “things your grandparents did that you know and might not have been reminded of recently,” as HGTV’s Steve Whittle discussed during his demonstrations at the 48th annual Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Show in February.

1. Program the Thermostat. It’s a “simple thing we know and might have forgotten,” Whittle said. Milwaukee/NARI suggests keeping the temperature at 68 when people are home, and turning it down to 60 when people are sleeping or at work. Homeowners should check if their programmable thermostat is Energy Star-qualified.
2. Watch the Water. Homeowners should get in the habit of taking shorter showers and shutting off the water while shaving and brushing their teeth. They should only run the dishwasher with a full load, and use cold water cycles in the washing machine. Low flow showerheads, sink aerators, and new high efficiency toilets are a worthwhile investment.
3. Hit the Lights. Making sure no lights are left on in empty rooms, and replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs wherever possible is an easy way to save a lot of energy. Homeowners also may consider timers, motion detectors, and dimmers for their lights.
4. Close the Leaks. Indoor air leaks from several locations, including windows, doors, electrical outlets, and fireplaces. Homeowners should fix leaks using sealant, weather stripping, caulking, storm windows and doors, foam inserts, and plastic sheeting. They should check fireplace dampers, consider an insulating jacket for the electric water heater, and insulate all heat ducts, hot water pipes, attics, exterior walls, crawl spaces, basement walls, and under floors.
5. Pull the Plug. If no one is watching the television, it should be turned off. Milwaukee/NARI suggests homeowners take it one step further and unplug all electronics and appliances when they aren’t in use, including small chargers and power supplies – and always look for the Energy Star label when shopping for new items.
6. Fill the Fridge. Full refrigerators and freezers operate more efficiently. A container of ice will work if the freezer is relatively empty. As always, a refrigerator with an Energy Star label will save a very significant amount of energy over older models. Also, homeowners should check that the door is sealing shut properly.
7. Harness the Heat. Homeowners should harness natural heat by letting the sun in during the winter months. Conversely, they should use insulated window treatments to block the sun during hot months, keeping curtains closed on the south, east, and west windows. Using fans instead of air conditioning as often as possible will save energy during summer. During all seasons, Milwaukee/NARI suggests checking furnace and air conditioner filters each month – cleaning or replacing the filter as needed – because dirty filters can block air flow, increasing energy bills and shortening the life of the equipment. Note: Draperies and furniture should not block the airflow from air registers.
8. Cover the Kettle. Keeping the lids on the pots while cooking is an easy way to save energy. Using the microwave instead is even better.
9. Replace the Windows. Milwaukee/NARI reminds homeowners that Federal Tax Credits still are available and installing energy-efficient windows is a popular way for homeowners to receive the credit and reduce the energy bill.
10. Remember the Outdoors. Using a broom instead of a hose to clean off decks, patios, and driveways will save energy. Homeowners should also consider raking rather than using electric leaf blowers. They may want to plant a tree, as one well-placed shade tree could reduce cooling costs significantly. Milwaukee/NARI suggests placing leafy shade trees to the south and west, and evergreens to the north.

The Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council was chartered in July 1961, as a Chapter of the National Home Improvement Council.  In May of 1982, the National Home Improvement Council merged with the National Remodelers Association to form NARI – the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

The Council’s goals of encouraging ethical conduct, professionalism, and sound business practices in the remodeling industry have led to the remodeling industry’s growth and made NARI a recognized authority in that industry.  With over 900 members, the Milwaukee Chapter is the nation’s largest.

For more information on the Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council or to receive a free copy of an annual membership roster listing all members alphabetically and by category, and the booklet, “Milwaukee/NARI's Remodeling Guide,” call (414) 771-4071 or visit the Council’s Web site at www.milwaukeenari.org.