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Now more than ever, businesses must learn how to save money on their energy costs! Electricity and gas bills are a great place for any business to start looking at reducing costs. Many business owners do not even know what questions to ask. Are we overlooking other bills we can reduce, besides our electrical and gas bills? What are the terms of our current contracts? Do we have to deal direct or can we find an intermediary who can negotiate better?

In the first instance are you getting the best possible rate for your business electricity or business gas the answer is not always that easy to find out but first establish what you’re paying and to whom and on what tariff. Many utility companies will tell you that you can get a certain rate but remember it does not mean anything until you can sign it on paper. Next, make sure you know the level of commitment the contract calls you to.

Out of all theses points knowing when your current business electricity or business gas contract is due for renewal, is probably the most important. What good does that do? You may ask but quite often the major companies will roll you into a new contract without advising you and potentially this will be a higher tariff than you are already on. An alarming amount of commercial energy providers will simply start you on your next contract with them and point to your permission with the payment they received!

There are many invaluable resources online including websites which will provide a free estimate for your business. Sometimes larger companies will bill themselves as one of their subsidiaries so do not fall for that ploy. If you can avoid falling for that one, then you stand a great chance to reduce your business energy costs.

This is frequently a great way to develop leads for the larger business, but does not work so well for the client. This is done so that the smaller companies are incentivized by the potential for the commission and the larger companies defray some marketing costs.

One substantial premise behind finding a great way to reduce your business energy costs is to make sure that all parties are transparent and honest. Often with an in-house team of specialists they can assist customers with any information or queries they may have, in the first instance though it is worth visiting their web site or calling them to see what they can offer – it could be time and money well spent that should return a cozy feeling of profitability.

The author enjoys writing articles on texas electricity provider & electricity providers in houston texas. Click on the links above for more info! Click here to get your own unique version of this article with free reprint rights.

Comments (0) Dec 30 2009

Insulation

The most important areas in your home that should be well insulated are the attic, walls and floors. Here are a few tips to help you get your insulation project under way:

* Does your home need added insulation material? As a rule of thumb, if your home has less than three or four inches of insulation in the attic, you should probably add additional insulating material to achieve the correct levels. If none exists in the floors or walls, insulation is definitely recommended.

* You will need to decide whether you want to complete the insulation work yourself or to use a contractor instead. Keep in mind that some insulation jobs are considerably harder than other household projects.

* If you would rather have a contractor handle the job, be sure to get several bids. Only use a bonded and properly licensed contractor.

* If you take on the job yourself, be sure to follow installation instructions thoroughly and don’t forget to follow appropriate safety precautions.

* When purchasing insulation, note the R-value. This specifies the effectiveness of insulation. The larger the number the more effective the insulation.

* Choose the type of insulation you should use. There are numerous insulation products available including sprayed foam, rigid insulation, fiberglass, mineral wool/rock wool, and cellulose. The choice of material will ultimately depend on the section of the house to be insulated. A knowledgeable salesperson should be able to help decide upon the best type of insulating material and R-value you need.

Windows

Rating windows insulation value is measured by the U-value. This numeric value indicates the window’s ability to insulate. The lower the number, the better the window is at preventing the transmission of heat. The U-value of a window is based on the number of glass layers, the amount of of air space between the panes or layers and the type of window frame. A few tips include:

* Check windows for broken glass, broken frames and seals, decayed wood, missing putty, poorly fitting sashes, and drafts.

* For a quick but short-term fix before cold weather arrives, you can purchase storm-window kits constructed of plastic film that you tape to the interior of your windows. The kits can usually be bought at most home improvement stores for $5 to $10 for each window. They normally last from one to three years.

* You can cut down the loss of heat through windows by mounting insulated curtains or draperies on the window’s interior. This should help retain heat during the winter and keep heat out during heat waves.

* In the winter retract the curtains if the sun is out to allow natural heating, and, during the summer keep the curtains closed or install an ultraviolet film to reduce the sun’s effect.

* During the warmer months, when possible, open a few windows at night and in the early hours of the morning when there is a cool breeze. Opening a window on opposite sides of your home will help with the flow of air and offer enhanced cooling.

Caulking & Weather-stripping

In addition to poor insulation, air leaks are amongst the leading sources of energy loss in homes.

* Check your home for concealed air leaks by using a damp hand or candle flame to discover air movement. Shut all doors, windows and fireplace flues and shut down all ventilating fans to simplify the location of any air leaks.

* Caulking is most useful on openings that are less than 1/4″ wide. If available, use caulking that will remain flexible over a long number of years. If it will be visible, select a colored caulk or one that can be painted.

* If there are large gaps and holes shielded from sunlight and moisture, try expanding foam sealant to plug them. However, please only use products listed as safe for the environment.

* Crack filler or backer rod, is a flexible foam product available in lengthy coils, with a variety of diameters available. It can be useful in sealing large cracks. It also can be used as filler material in deep gaps that are to be sealed with regular caulking.

* Position insulation behind electric outlets and wall switches – areas that are often unnoticed.

Jim Navary has been a freelance writer and researcher for more thirty years covering a broad range of subjects. He is also a licensed real estate agent in the Commonwealth of Virginia specializing in real estate in the Tri-Cities area of Virginia and, in particular, Colonial Heights, Virginia, area properties for sale.

Comments (0) Nov 30 2009