Comments on: 10 Quick Tips To Winterize Your Home

By: gwen thompson

gwen thompson — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:11:17 +0000

I thought It was very helpful. Thanks

By: Jason Todd

Jason Todd — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:52:10 +0000

Along the lines of saving money, not only can you obtain advanced digital thermostats for less online, getting a high-efficiency media filter (4/5-inches wide instead of 1) will allow more efficient airflow and only need to be replaced every 6 months. It amounts to savings on air filters and more efficient airflow through the HVAC system resulting in lower utility bills.

By: WB

WB — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 05:00:58 +0000

I didn’t go into detail about the Peak Rewards program because I don’t think this is the place for that. I just wanted to let people know about it, so they can go to BGE’s website and read through all of the details and then decide if it’s for them.

I’m not worried about the issues Don brought up. Cycling occurs during “peak electricity demand” hours (1-7pm) when I’m usually at work and you have the option of 2 overrides per year. Judging from the questions they ask before you enroll (health issues, elderly residents) I don’t think the utility company wants to be responsible for anyone suffering heat stroke. Besides, selling electricity is what they’re all about, so it’s still in their interest to keep your AC on as much as possible.

By: Don

Don — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:52:48 +0000

Everybody should let the utility company take control of your thermostats.

If it sounds to good to be true… I hope you don’t sweat in your home when it gets hot and you have to wait on hold for an hour to tell them to PLEASE turn my AC back on.

By: WB

WB — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 15:14:48 +0000

I just signed up for BGE’s Peak Rewards program. I’ll get a free programmable thermostat and installation in exchange for allowing BGE to cycle my central air during the summer months. The first summer I’ll get a $200 credit, after that, it’ll be $100 a summer. BGE will install the thermostat in Jan or Feb. , so I don’t know much else about the program, but Maryland residents might want to look into it.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:53:00 +0000

Great tips Jim. I agree with just lowering the thermostat really helps save. You can always get space heaters or just put on more clothes. Too many people like to keep their thermostat’s really high in the winter and really low in the summer just to be slightly more comfortable.

By: jim

jim — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 04:19:48 +0000

I think they do a good job, I knew our windows were drafty because I could hear people talking outside when the windows were closed. I think they’re a good improvement.

Plus, our sliding doors were horrible (grinding when you slide them) and many windows wouldn’t stay open on their own… it was more than the energy savings, it was a quality issue too.

By: Dan C

Dan C — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 03:53:06 +0000

Great tips! I am thinking about replacing my drafty windows and sliding doors. I am wondering how much did it cost you to replace them, and if the Energy Star compliant versions make a big difference in keeping your house warm. Thanks!

By: Chris Holdheide

Chris Holdheide — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 03:43:32 +0000

Great tips I’ve been playing around with a few of these ideas myself lately. I redid one room in my house adding insulation to the outside walls a new front door and three new windows. This saved me a lot on my heating bill. In fact there was a great tax credit I was able to take advantage of because of doing these things.

By: Larry

Larry — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:14:09 +0000

Two things:

First, I heard that you can have flooring installed with a waterline underneath it causing the flooring to be heated by hot water cycling through the water heater. I don;t know how much it cost but It could help reduce overall heating cost.

Also, I know it isn’t exactly a part of your house but if you have plants that do not do well in cold weather, make sure you wrap them in plastic when it dips below freezing (Nightime).

Cheers!

Larry

By: MoneyNing

MoneyNing — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:18:22 +0000

Great tips. Why don’t you program your thermostat so it doesn’t even automatically turn the temperature back on? I can understand that you will forget to turn it down when you leave the house but if it’s too cold when you come home, you will turn it back on. Yes it probably takes 15 minutes to heat up the room but that’s another chunk of money you are saving because you are willing to bear it for a little bit!

Also, not having it automatically turn back on will save a ton for times when you come home late etc.