Do Your Energy Bills Make You Cry???

 

When you get an email from Counterpoint or Excel Energy, does your heart skip a beat? Especially in winter when the temps plummet below zero?

Is there anything you can do to make a difference?

We know that the cost of everything is going up, with or without tariffs, but there are a few things that don’t cost a lot that make a big difference.

Minnesota didn’t include insulation in the building code until 1980, so let’s start there. We all get weekly flyers from big-name window companies offering upgrades. Windows are expensive, and they are not the first line of defense!

They tell you it is, but that is just advertising.

New homes are built to a stricter code; they have to have continuous insulation. Basements are now poured concrete to keep out moisture, cracks, and Radon.

Radon is a ground gas that can cause lung problems if it seeps in through your basement floor.

Where to start?

You can get an energy audit from Xcel Energy for $100.

https://mn.my.xcelenergy.com/s/residential/home-services/home-energy-squad

They can do a blower test and tell you where the leaks are. Start here by scheduling your visit today. SCHEDULE HOME ENERGY SQUAD VISIT

Energy Saver Visit

• Install energy-saving LED lightbulbs, door and attic hatch weather stripping, programmable thermostat, and high-efficiency water fixtures

• Assess and adjust water heater temperature

• Determine next steps / Price: $70

Energy Planner Visit

• Perform a blower door test to measure your home for air leaks

• Complete an insulation inspection using a thermographic camera

• Perform a safety test on the heating system and water heater

• Provide a customized report with recommendations

• Determine next steps / Price: $100

What can you do today for a few dollars?

If you don’t want to spend on new windows, you can buy a caulking gun (under $20) and silicone caulking ($10) at Home Depot. Check around the window frame for cold air leaks. Caulking only became a standard after 1975. You can also weather-strip door frames so they close tightly enough to keep out air leaks.

 

You probably didn’t notice that electric sockets can leak air, too. Put your hand close to the sockets on exterior walls, and if you feel a chill, Ace Hardware has a 10-pack for about $5. Take off the plate, place the foam insulation under it, and replace it. YouTube can show you how.

Water heaters also suck heat. You don’t need it to be boiling. Hot water just sits there most of the day, draining your wallet. Turn the heat down, or replace it with an electric on-demand, or a heat pump water heater. They are spendy, but there are still some rebates available.