Reducing energy consumption impacts the environment as well as your finances. Come to think of it, these are two of the modern man’s important concerns currently. With the present difficulties experienced financially and the sorry state the environment is in, doing your share in terms of reducing power consumption is a responsibility we cannot afford to shun. Minimizing power company bills can be done if we are open to developing sensible habits and strategies targeted towards that goal. Drafts allow heat to escape and focusing your initial efforts on fixing it will go a long way towards reducing power consumption.

Space heating takes up a considerable amount of power. Almost one third of your electricity bills go to heating and air conditioning, depending on the season. Fixing drafts is your first consideration as fifty percent of heat is lost through drafts. Test doors and windows by holding your palm against them. If you can feel cold air coming in, this means warm air escapes through the same route. Fixing it can save you a lot on your total annual power bills.

Once you have determined the doors and windows that facilitate the escape of warm air, it is time that you do something about it. Draft excluders can be used in all exterior and interior doors if necessary. Cracks and crevices are also routes in which warm air can escape so you should also check on this. While a single crack or crevice wouldn’t affect the performance of your heating system much, several of them have the potential to compromise your heating system. Cracks and crevices in window frames, skirting boards or floors should be filled with fillers or sealants.

Some doors have large cracks so it is sensible to cover it. There are door crack blockers available for sale and you can choose from a variety of designs that strike your fancy. Another thing that you can do is to close curtains and shutters when darkness falls to prevent drafts and trap warm air in.

There are lots of other power saving strategies you can do to reduce the amount of money you pay to power companies and save the environment, too. A little effort goes a long way in terms of savings and while saving the environment involves the effort of many, doing your share still makes a difference, however small.