Property owners are looking for more ways than ever to "DIY", tackling their own home improvement projects to save money and boost property values. One of the best projects doesn't require power tools and will have a huge impact - on your electric bill. Here are a few things you can do this weekend to save hundreds of dollars this year.
1) Compact fluorescent lights (CFL) - you might be tired of hearing about them but a 14-watt CFL is as bright as a 60-watt incandescent bulb, uses 75 percent less energy, and lasts ten times longer. A 4-pack costs under $10 but likely represents nearly $800 in lifetime savings.
2) Exterior lighting - If you can read book outside at night, you're probably wasting energy. Switch out 60 watt candelabra (mini) bulbs for 20 or 40-watt ones, and 60-watt standard bulbs with 14-watt CFLs.
3) Electric hot water heater - Does your hot water heater and pipes feel warm to the touch? Insulate them and cut power use up to 25 percent. Carefully wrap the copper hot water pipes with tubular polyethylene insulation or insulated pipe wrap ($6 for 25 feet). Water heater blankets go for around $20 and can be installed with duct tape and a pair of scissors. Just make sure you don't cover the access panels.
One day of sweat equity and a $50 investment could pay for itself within two months, and keep returning guaranteed savings for years to come. These days, that's even better than your IRA! This project can be done this weekend and before you know it, you will be saving a lot of money.
Dusty Lindemann is a handyman in Northern Virginia with the group, http://shirlingtonapartments.com
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