Quick DIY efficiency tips

“Interdependence is and ought to be as much the ideal of man as self-sufficiency. Man is a social being.”

– Mahatma Gandhi

“We share.”

‘Tis the season or whatever. With the holiday and blogging spirit in mind, it seemed like the right time to share some easy tricks to help you reduce your energy bill, improve your DIY-ing skills, increase the efficiency of your home and ensure your reputation of being an utter badass.

You’re Welcome.

Caulking Windows

This is not the first, nor will it be the last time I mention Caulking.  It is an easy and inexpensive preventative step in reducing your energy bill. Basically, it should be the first check on your list. Its simple, really:

1. Check for leaks

2. Remove old caulk

3. Apply new caulk along the seems and remove excess.

The price for both interior and exterior caulking should be about 6-9 dollars per bottle. You can find it at most, if not all, home improvement stores. Preferably, local ones. If you are going down the hippie road anyway, might as well start buying local.

Phantom Electricity

Yes, This is an actual thing. You know, all of those appliances that you have sitting around, plugged in and unused?Well they are just adding to your energy bill.

There’s a simple way to fix it, unplug them when you aren’t using them! DIY, Am I right?

Weatherstripping

You say you’ve notice some light seeping through your doorjamb? Rather than buying a whole new strip, why not just reuse what you have? With the exception of rot, its likely that the stripping is just a bit deflated. Easy fix. All you need is rope and 1/2 ” to 1″ thick that is the length of the door. Apply the rope between the already existing weatherstripping and the door jam with a ruler or something comparable.

It’ll give the weatherstripping the support needed to block the light and subsequently, air leaks coming from the door.

Refrigerator and Freezer Seals

Replacing the seals on the refrigerator and freezer can save both your energy and grocery bill. It may be possible to use the same rope trick, though i’m not certain. Personally, I wouldn’t want to mess with such an expensive appliance.  I leave it up to you to explore your DIY -ing abilities.

Otherwise, you can purchase a new seal (also known as a “gasket”) for 35- 45 dollars. Make sure to measure to ensure a proper fit and have it:

1. Remove screws and remove old gasket

2. Insert new gasket

3. Replace screws

4. If there are any gaps, use a hair dryer to heat up and gently stretch the new gasket.

Go forth and spread your newly acquired DIY knowledge.