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Heating and cooling account for over half of the more than $2,000 spent by the average American family on energy bills, according to a 2009 report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As consumers search for ways to lower their energy consumption, addressing heating and cooling issues can make a significant difference in energy savings. Window shades may help improve energy consumption and lower energy bills by keeping homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
The Internal Revenue Service offers a variety of tax breaks that can reduce the amount of income tax that individuals owe including tax credits which are subtracted directly from an individual's income tax liability. The IRS offers tax credits on certain energy efficient home upgrades including energy efficient windows, doors and skylights to encourage taxpayers to invest in energy efficient technology.
Electric kitchen stoves allow you to cook meats, vegetables and other dishes using electricity instead of natural gas. The stoves are available in a variety of styles and models and contain exposed or smooth burners as well as an oven compartment for baking and boiling. Like gas stoves, electric stoves contain multiple components that ignite the devices and are not designed for heating a room or area.
Window AC units are a common substitute for whole-house AC units and are considered more economical. Window units are designed to cool a couple of rooms versus an entire house, but can end up being more costly than a whole-house unit if precautions are not taken and the unit is not properly maintained. Several things can be done to ensure that your unit is the right fit for your home and budget.
Perhaps the most energy-efficient window covering is an insulated Roman shade that seals tightly to the window frame. However, no one window treatment can provide the maximum amount of energy savings possible. Combine several energy-saving coverings on each window. Storm windows, awnings and solar mesh screens can be used outside. Insulated Roman shades keep heat in and winter cold out. Raise the shades in peak daylight hours to let warming light in.
Winter can be a beast when it comes to heating costs. In a difficult economy, people are on the lookout for ways to cut energy costs. If you live in a drafty older house, this can be a real and immediate concern. One option is to use a small cook stove as a heating alternative. These small devices can put out an extraordinary amount of energy while consuming little fuel. However, you must make sure your house is properly set up before changing your heating source.
