More Energy Saving Ideas....

Yesterday, I told you about my upgrade to LED lights in my pantry area. I looked back over our energy bills to confirm that, although our dollar amount has remained consistent.....our energy usage has gone down over the years(obviously rate hikes make up the difference). So, as I traveled around my home, preparing for WINTER, I thought it might be useful to share my tips. This works for me, only you can decide it this will work for you!

First up, the A/C vents; our A/C has been turned off for a few months now (don't do this unless your system is shut off completely)....however, if I hold my hand near the vent.....on a COLD day....I can feel the cool air spilling into the room

Using a duster, I clean all the blades

Then, I shut the vents....some are levers

some require a flat-head screwdriver. I find it helpful to shine a flashlight into the vent to confirm that I am shutting it, and not opening it even wider

The next prep idea that I do, came to me when I saw this

A magnetic register cover....at about $25! I wanted to cover this

My A/C return in the ceiling....at the time, I contacted a magnetic sign maker....and because of it's size, the price was ridicules! I am also not sure that the magnet would have stuck with the force of gravity pulling on it.....so....I started using these

Yes, a shrink wrap for my ceiling A/C register returns. First, I dust them

Then, apply the two-sided tape

Once the tape is all the way around, I peel off the paper to reveal the sticky side

...add the film, you can re-adjust it once....and the shrinking will make up for any defects

This is the fun part, use a hairdryer to shrink the film for a tight fit

Here is the "after"

I cannot stress this enough YOUR UNIT MUST BE TURNED OFF!! Do not turn on you A/C until AFTER you have removed the shrink wrap!

The cost...this box of film was about $5. I have 2 returns, and can cover 3 returns from 1 sheet of plastic film. So, this box will cover 4.5 winterizing s....a little over 1 dollar.

What are your winterizing tricks?

Linking this to Serenity Now Weekend Bloggy!