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By Marc Feala MLC Ticker has put together a series pertaining to conserving energy in our everyday lives. There are many simple things that each of us can do to minimize our use of energy. While we'll be helping the environment by doing so, another positive effect of our energy awareness is that we are able to save ourselves money. The following are some easy ways to both minimize energy use while saving yourself some cash. Trees add more than added property value to your house. Believe it or not, trees can aid in the reduction of your energy bill. In the summer most people will see a significant increase in the amount of sunlight and most of that sunlight will hit the south-facing wall of your home. The addition of a good shade tree can reduce the amount of solar heating your home experiences on a sunny summer day. Make sure this tree is seasonal, like a Maple or Cotton, when it sheds its leaves, your home will benefit from the solar heating in the winter. Ole Man Winter can produce some cold northern winds from Canada, which can cause your energy bill to soar if north-facing windows are not sealed correctly. Once again, trees serve another purpose besides providing shade or a decoration near the Holidays. Ole Man Winter’s cold breath can be stopped by adding a windbreak, or line of Evergreen or Spruce trees on the North side of your home. Evergreen and Spruce trees hold their needles year round, thus creating a windbreak and easing those harsh north winds on your home. Sticking with the science theme, its generally understood that warm air rises and cold air sinks. In the winter, the air that keeps you warm wants to rise and escape your home. What prevents this you ask? Well, it’s the layer of insulation in your attic. Improper insulation can allow precious warm air to escape into the attic, thus weighing on your energy bill. Says Caroline Hsu, a reporter with U.S. News & World Report, “The insulation can drift, creating thin or bare spots. Rake it even. Reinsulate if you have less than 8 to 12 inches. Seal and insulate the attic door”. If you believe you have a major energy efficiency problem, consider an energy audit. It is exactly what it sounds like. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “A home energy audit is the first step to assess how much energy your home consumes and to evaluate what measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient. An audit will show you problems that may, when corrected, save you significant amounts of money over time”. The Department of Energy also states, “During the audit, you can pinpoint where your house is losing energy. Audits also determine the efficiency of your home's heating and cooling systems. An audit may also show you ways to conserve hot water and electricity. You can perform a simple energy audit yourself, or have a professional energy auditor carry out a more thorough audit”. These tips are few of many that could potentially save you money, so carefully consider your energy needs.
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