New Summer Section at DIYorNot.com Features Simple Solutions to Reduce Home Energy Bills

    ST. MICHAELS, MD, June 17, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A new feature Projects That Lower Your Energy Bill highlights how to save money and cut cooling costs at DIYorNot.com. The site focuses on the cost of home improvement projects to help homeowners compare the time and cost of doing it yourself vs. hiring a local contractor. In March, 2010 it was ranked by Money magazine as "one of the 20 best money Web sites."

The new summer feature recommends simple changes and inexpensive improvements that can help an air conditioning unit work smarter, not harder, and maintain a cool and comfortable home all summer. Gene Hamilton, creator of the site said, "Many of the energy tips in the new section are easy routines that cost nothing, they're simple changes that will ease the demand for electricity." A list of Web sites refers homeowners to interactive tools to analyze their energy use and online resources aimed at keeping a house cool and comfortable at a reduced cost.

Here are some examples of the energy tips in Projects That Lower Your Energy Bill at www.diyornot.com.

Easy No Cost Energy Savers Around the House
- Close vents and doors to unused or seldom-used room, don't pay to cool them.
- Move your television, lamp or anything else that generates heat away from the cooling thermostat to prevent the air conditioner from running longer than needed.
- To keep cool air from escaping up the chimney, close the damper of the fireplace.
- Power down home electronics when not in use by activating the sleep features on computers and office equipment.
- Trim shrubs and plants so they're about three feet away from the AC unit so it can work efficiently with adequate air flow.

Low Cost Upgrades Anyone Can Do
- A dirty filter reduces the air flow through a cooling system so change the filter in a central air conditioning unit or heat pump once a month so it can work efficiently. $2 each
- Replace light bulbs with CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) because they give off very little heat in a room, plus they last longer and cost less to operate. $2 each 14 watt (60w) $3 each 27 watt (100w)
- Inspect the electrical outlets, especially those on exterior walls, to see if you feel a draft of air. Plug them with inexpensive foam gaskets cut into shapes to fit the openings and stop the air penetration. $3 a dozen

Improvements That Pay Back
- To keep unwanted sunrays from damaging furnishings and heating the interior install a canvas awning for protection and are an attractive addition to the exterior. DIY cost $160; Hire a Pro cost $317
- You're comfortable in a room at a higher temperature if the air moves so consider circulating the air by installing a ceiling fan. DIY cost $160; Hire a Pro cost $207
- Inspect windows looking for gaps in the joints around a window frame where it meets siding. If you find loose joints seal with caulk. DIY cost $50; Hire a Pro cost $144
- Take a walk around the house inspecting the doors and notice if the weatherstripping is letting hot air leak inside. If it is, remove the old material and replace it with new weatherstripping to seal the opening. DIY cost $35; Hire a Pro cost $65

About DIYorNot.com: DIYorNot.com is the online edition of the newspaper column of the same name, which is syndicated by Tribune Media Services. For smartphones the companion mobile site is m.diyornot.com. The site's core content is the project costs of 350 remodeling, redecorating and repair projects that help homeowners compare the time and cost of doing it yourself vs. hiring a local contractor.

Website: http://www.diyornot.com

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