6 Inexpensive Ways To Lower Home Energy Costs

Homeowners, sooner, or later, discover, a significant, monthly expense, is what they pay, for their energy needs. This includes, heating, cooling, and electrical needs, and, while there might be many ways, to reduce these, many of the fixes, are somewhat expensive! With all the other stresses, and strains, of our every - day, lives, these might be extremely challenging, to afford, so, many of us, simply, continue, without making any attempt, to try to reduce our energy costs. While, they may not address, the total, overall needs, of a homeowner, in this area, this article will attempt to briefly consider, address, and discuss, 6, relatively, inexpensive ways, to lower energy costs.

1. Windows: Many people replace their windows, with more energy - efficient types, but, this is, often a costly, messy process! If those costs, are, beyond one's means, and/ or comfort level/ zone, they should consider, some ways, to make these somewhat more efficient. Sealing, and caulking around windows, making them more, leak - free, as do, making certain, any cracks, are repaired, etc. In addition, ensuring storm windows, work effectively, helps reduce, heat, which, literally, flies, out - the - window!

2. Doors: Much heating, and cooling, escapes, under, and around, entry doors, to houses. One inexpensive approach, is putting, a sweep, below, the bottom, of a door. In addition, examine, how the door, is hung, to ensure, it aligns, properly. There are also, seals, which can be used, around the sides of these entry - ways. Make certain, storm doors, close fully, as an additional protection, and savings!

3. Attic insulation: Is your attic, effectively, and efficiently, insulated? Might you benefit by rolling - in, some additional insulation, near the roof, of your house, where so much, energy, often escapes?

4. Light bulbs: Are you taking advantage of energy - efficient, light bulbs? Many of today's light bulbs, will save, a homeowner, significant amounts, on their electric costs.

5. Set - back thermostat: How one sets, and uses, his thermostat, have a significant impact, on our energy costs. We do not need, to heat our homes, or cool them, to the same degree, at all hours. Based on a specific homeowner's usage and needs, using a set - back thermostat, can create a significant savings! In addition, using a similar system, with air - conditioning, makes a real difference!

6. Do all preventive maintenance: Making minor enhancements, rather than waiting for them to become major problems, creates a savings, overall. Have your energy provider, or service company, do preventive maintenance, on items, such as your boiler, and burner. In addition, do minor jobs, yourself, such as putting insulation, behind, sockets, etc.

An ounce of prevention, and some common sense, often, makes a significant difference, in a homeowner's overall energy costs! Will you protect your single - biggest, financial asset - your house?

Common Sense Economic Discussion Is Needed

It seems that everywhere I turn, I hear another theory as to what the cause of our present economic situation is, and whose fault it is. Everyone seems to find someone to blame, from the President, to his advisers, to the banks, to our federal elected officials, to our local officials, to joblessness, to outsourcing, or to a multitude of other factors. However, while everyone seems to find it simple to blame something or someone, I rarely hear a viable solution or alternative.

I feel that there is little doubt that much, if not all of our political system and the way our governments are run, is highly dysfunctional. This dysfunctional behavior appears to be non-selective when it comes to the level of government, or to the elected official. It is certainly a rarity when any government agency or body gets anything productive accomplished.

Of course, it is easy to blame President Obama, because he is the visible leader. He has not only been blamed for things he's done, but also for things done by his predecessors, or by others. His opponents are always quick to criticize, and obviously in these economic times, it is easy to blame, but what is the solution.

There are many people who are critical of the government bailouts, but what might have occurred had their been none. What would have happened if some of these "too big to fail" institutions actually failed? Obama supporters paint one picture, and opponents paint a far different one.

President Obama points to a slowing of job loss as evidence that his plan is working, but what would have happened otherwise? We can speculate, but we really do not know.

I have yet to see anyone from either side of the political spectrum really develop a plan to address both the economy and the joblessness issues. Obviously, they are interrelated. Wouldn't it make sense to encourage investment in industries that address things that have heavily contributed to this economic mess, and will continue to if not addressed? Most would agree that the high cost of energy, and our lack of energy independence are major contributors to these economic times. Why not give incentives to businesses to hire and expand in industries that will address the energy issue, such as solar, wind, natural gas, domestic energy exploration, etc.? That would address joblessness, the economy and the future. Of course, that would probably make too much sense, so we can't expect our political leaders to follow that course of action.

When will political leaders stop playing political games, and actually address issues? Only, when the public demands it!

Shouldn't Politicians Eventually Become Statesman?

SHOULDN'T POLITICIANS EVENTUALLY BECOME STATESMAN?

Since our American political system has become one where politicians seem to run for office forever and spend obscene amounts of money on their campaigns, we shouldn't be surprised that once elected, our elected officials are so often dysfunctional. When a bunch of guys sitting around in an office or in a bar often seem to have a clearer idea of what needs to be done than our elected officials, one should realize that we have approached a political reality that is the equivalent of the "inmates running the asylum." When more time is spent discussing Tiger Woods and his alleged trysts than how to put our jobless back to work, there is something very wrong with our society!
Our elected officials put together patchwork proposals, filled with "pork," that are unnecessarily expensive, and do not adequately address the needs of the American public. Our elected officials tell us that they recognize the problem, and that is of the highest priority. Then they tell another group that their problem is the highest priority. And then, they don't adequately address either!
Let's look at the United States' pressing needs at the moment. Most observers would agree that the economy and the joblessness rates are the most disturbing! Yet, let's look at how our government has addressed these challenges. The much- maligned TARP (meaning TROUBLED ASSET RECOVERY PLAN) bailed out our major banks, because of the theory that these institutions were "too big to fail," and that the ramifications of bank failures would cause economic catastrophe. The government is now elated that the plan will cost $200 billion less than believed, because of early repayment by several banks. Yet, two banks who have not yet repaid the monies, Citi (owing $20 billion) and Wells Fargo (owing $25 billion) now are pleading with the government to be allowed to repay these amounts, and the government is telling them that they cannot repay it unless they raise substantial additional funds. Citi and Wells Fargo state that not repaying the TARP funds puts them at a competitive disadvantage against those that did, because of the additional restrictions associated with TARP. Remember that many non-banks reorganized to make themselves banks in order to be able to receive the TARP funds (predominantly investment houses, etc). Now, the government is discussing how to account for this $200 billion "windfall," reportedly discussing paying down the enormous national deficit/ debt, and using those monies for other purposes, such as creating jobs. However, the language of the TARP legislation specifically speaks of lending, so most viable job programs could not be funded with those funds. Adding to the farce and follies is the fact that TARP was supposedly created so that banks would free-up lending, which it has not done. Most banks have used those funds simply to enhance their own financial position!
Several months ago, our representatives were SO pleased with themselves for creating what they were referring to as a "Credit Cardholders Bill of Rights." In their infinite wisdom, they announced what the legislation would require, but that it would not take place for nine months (NINE MONTHS!). So, of course, most credit card companies (translation= banks) have raised interest rates, lowered credit lines, changed to variable rates, etc. And, of course, because of the crazy manner in which our credit scores (such as FICO, etc.) are calculated, having reduced credit lines changes the ratio of debt to available credit, thus lowering credit scores. The lending institutions (translation= banks) then use that new score as one of their justifications for declining lending. Yet, our legislators have bailed out the "too big to fail" on the backs of the individual citizens!
The President continues to showcase high profile job summits, and give speeches about how essential job creation is. Then, on the other hand (or should I say "face"), he says that the government needs private industry to help take the lead, because the government can't do it alone! Isn't this a bit of revisionist history, when we consider that same argument could have been used regarding huge government infusions into big businesses, war efforts, etc.
And, what about our war efforts. The candidate Obama, at least partially, ran as the "peace" candidate, against the Iraq surge, and stating he would not have voted to go in when the first vote was taken (it's great when you're a candidate and you were not in the Senate and therefore did not vote at that time, under those conditions). Yet, now, President Obama wants to commit additional billions, as well as 30,000 - 35,000 US troops to an effort that could be referred to as a "surge" in Afghanistan, while at the same time promising to limit the amount of time troops will remain, giving the public the indication that substantial troop reductions would begin in July 2011 (18 months). Then on the following Sunday morning programs, Secretary of Defense Gates and Secretary of State Clinton strongly indicated that the 18 month period would be when the first of the troops would be withdrawn, and US troops could be there substantially longer. Defenders of increased military action and "surges" point to the success in Iraq, yet in the last few days, there have been substantial deaths due to bombings, etc. Does anyone really believe that when we eventually leave Iraq, that it will be a stable, sustainable nation? What is really our goal? Does anyone really have a plan? What do we expect to achieve?
The candidate Obama ran for President with the campaign slogan, "CHANGE." During President Obama's first ten and a half months in office, he is using economic advisors who were at least partially responsible for this mess in the first place (where's the change?), the same Secretary of Defense, his campaign opponent as Secretary of State, etc. To this observer, he seems to still be campaigning. Granted there is a need for communicating, but there is an even greater needed for real action that works!
We cannot just throw money at a problem, nor simply blame others for how we got there. We need some common sense and straight talk. It took the US a while to get into this mess, and it won't be overnight getting out of it. But the time for rhetoric is over! Let's create jobs now! Putting people back to work will be the fastest and most permanent cure for our economy. Provide incentive for employers to rehire. Provide even greater incentives for employers in "future growth" industries (such as alternative energy, gas exploration, etc., technology, and manufacturing)! Create a situation where the US becomes not solely a consumer-driven economy, but that we once again manufacture items here! Give companies an incentive to manufacture here instead of abroad! That would be monies well spent that would come back to the government in the form of taxes, less unemployment benefits payouts, etc.
Create something, and stop making excuses.
When Mr. Obama ran for office with the campaign promise of change, little did most of us realize that what he meant was that change would be the only thing left in our pockets. Let's get America working again, reducing our deficits so that our children and their children don't have to keep paying for our excesses, and regain the United States' dominance in the world economy.
How strange that while our economy has suffered, the an average price of a gallon of gas has increased by 50% since this time last year. And that is with reduced consumption! It's time for the American public to wake up, and demand that our politicians, once they are elected, act as statesman, instead of just continuing to be ruled by politics. Does it really make any sense that Democrats of Republicans keep voting as a bloc, regardless of the issue? The late Senator Charles Goodell summed up the situation, "Politicians are like antelopes. When things get tough, they pain their behinds white and run with the crowd."
The US public must demand leadership NOW!

How much is real, and how much perception?

It seems that every day there is another economic report out that different individuals interpret differently. Today, the joblessness report showed that "only" 502,000 new unemployment claims were made, which was 10,000 less than the previous month and 8,000 less than anticipated. The "gurus" jumped all over this report, letting us know that this was economic news. Although it probably was good news because things were getting significantly worse, it certainly wasn't good news for the 502,000 individuals putting in new unemployment claims. And this was on top of the over 10% already receiving regular and extended unemployment benefits, not to mention those who have taken lesser work or given up looking (estimates are a total of approximately 17.5%).
Also, in today's news, WalMart announced its 3Q economkic figures, and the net revenue was better than anticipated. That could be interpreted as good news, or not so good if one factors in that the increased net was based on lower than anticipated revenues, which means that obviously WalMart had made some "efficiencies" to improve its numbers.
Over 80% of the companies reporting 3Q figures have reported better than anticipated numbers. Does that mean that we are gradually coming out of the recession (hopefully), or that companies are cutting jobs making themselves more profitable, or that the "experts" are under-estimating, or some combination of the three? It all depends on PERCEPTION.
Most experts believe that the worst of the recession has passed, and that there will be gradual, but slow improvement during 2010. Historically, companies begin recovery periods by hiring part-time workers before they add full-time employees. However, since the average number of hours the American worker has dropped to only 33 hours per week, will companies then simply have existing workers put in a little more time. I believe that this figure of number of average hours per week will be a significant one to look at when we want to see how much progress is being made in getting out of the recession.
The housing market is an important one to follow as an indicator of the economy. Government incentives have slightly shored up the housing market, but it will not bounce back until there is some restoration of consumer confidence. For anyone who is in a position to buy a house, there has rarely been this great a buying situation, when you consider the combination of relatively low prices, low mortgage rates (average 30 year mortgage rates dropped today to 4.91%), tax incentives, and selection on market. Yet, many potential buyers are still adopting a "wait-and-see" approach, and just taking their time. Most experts believe that home prices, and mortgage interest rates will nudge up toward the second half of 2010. Again, consumer confidence and perception is a primary factor in this evaluation.
So, what is really going on? Huge US deficits, a weak US dollar, a recession, high joblessness and under-employment, are all unfortunate realities. Corporations have reacted by making themselves more cost-efficient, but unfortunately that exacerbates the unemployment challenge. The economy does not appear to be getting any worse! The next important step is to see how consumer confidence reacts. Halloween shopping was nearly 30% down this year, and if Christmas shopping bounces back somewhat, that will be an important indicator that consumer confidence is increasing. Many major retailers have already announced that they will beging "Black Friday" sales early, and be more aggressive in their marketing this season. Hopefully, some of the seasonal employment will be extended and we see a restoration in the job area as early as the second quarter of 2010. Vacation travel during the holidays, and overall travel in January and February of next year, will also be important indicators of consumer confidence.
Since most experts believe that one of the driving forces in creating this recession is the high cost of energy, job creation should be created by having the government create alternative energy incentives, and for hiring and re-training into that industry. T.Boone Pickens has promoted heavily his Pickens Plan, with the goal of US energy independence, by using alternative energy (he prefers windmills), and natural gas (because of its abundance in the US). Creating jobs in this area would be a short-term and a long-term solution, because it addresses not only employment, but a stronger US energy policy.
The American electorate must demand from it's politicians that they become leaders. Leadership and statesmanship means that "polls" should not dictate policy, but that they need to be effective problem solvers. It can be done, and must be done, for the U.S. to again become the strongest economy in the world. I truly believe that if the American public clearly demands "real change," instead of empty promises, we can "jump-start" our economy, and consumer confidence. I urge you all to join with me.

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Interesting News in Housing Market

Today, FNMA appeared to be prepared to alter its established policy regarding foreclosures on properties they control. It appears that they have made the decision to rent out these distressed properties instead of foreclosing and selling them. If this policy is maintained, it would go a long way toward stabilizing housing because it would somewhat reduce the "supply side" of homes by removing these distressed properties from the marketplace. The net effect of that should eventually be shoring up home prices, as well as reducing the amount of average days on market for houses listed for sale. It would also reduce "bottom-feeding" tendencies, and create a more realistically priced housing market.
In addition, the Fed's decision this week to maintain low interest rates for the foreseeable future, should help keep mortgage interest rates close to the low levels they currently are at. In addition, news about the Fed and certain large public companies working together to share the risk on distressed properties/ loans, should eventually loosen the mortgage lending market to some degree.
The recent election results have also indicated that people have become "fed up" with the high taxes they are paying. If this then translates into finally addressing the high real estate taxes paid in certain areas of the country, this will also help the housing market.
There also seems to finally be some awareness that we must control our energy costs, and if that rhetoric translates into some action, it would be another positive for the housing market and real estate industry.
Finally, if our politicians now get the message that the joblessness issue has to be addressed, and Americans begin to see some job creation and consumer confidence, then there will be a rebound in the housing market.
The consensus is that the housing market has or nearly has bottomed out. Therefore, 2010 should be a much better year.

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Today's Economy- Not Local & National, But Global

We look around us and see numerous town and city governments in dire financial conditions. States are having similar, if not in same cases, even worse challenges. Our national deficit is so large that it will not be repaid for generations. And we're adding to that deficit daily.
By and large, we are not alone in this situation. Almost all nations (except China) are having similar woes. There has not only been a drop in the Dow, but in stock markets around the globe. Gold prices have skyrocketed, and recently oil prices are beginning to rise again. Every time we hear a bit of good economic news, we then hear a bit of bad. And then, each side has to "spin" the information to their point of view.
So, what do we need to do? I believe that the most important thing we need to address is job creation and joblessness. Officially, we claim that the unemployment rate is 9.8%. But that does not include people who are no longer looking, people who no longer qualify for benefits, people who've taken some sort of part-time or lesser employment. When that is calculated in, the rate is closer to 18-20%. Governments need to address that issue now, and make that the number 1 priority. Only when the public regains its confidence will consumers begin once again to spend at the rate that the economy needs.
What can government do? Firstly, focus and use some common sense approaches. Invest in infrastructure, and give businesses incentives only if they hire and maintain workers. Secondly, retrain workers from certain stagnant industries to industries that need workers. Thirdly, create an "idea bank," so that people can brainstorm and find better ways to get back to work. Fourth, address employment and energy together, by giving incentives for alternative energy- related industries, thus creating employment opportunities in those fields.
Let's get away from rewarding incompetence. A bank makes bad loans due to a number of factors. Some are unavoidable, such as when people lose their jobs and can't repay the loan. However, in many cases, the bad decisions were made as a result of greed, etc. Don't reward those banks. Force those people to repay all borrowed funds before they can pay excessive bonuses and salaries -- make bonuses and salaries achievement incentive based. Don't punish small shareholders/ stockholders, by bankrupting these large companies, because all that does is exacerbate the situation by causing pensions, etc. to drop in value, and hurts small investors and mutual fund holders.
Enough of trickle down economics. Most people do not benefit as much from a rising stock market as they do from economic and employment stability, currency stability, and stable, affordable energy costs.
Enough of politicians making empty promises such as, "I won't raise taxes, fees, and I'll balance the budget." Ask, how, and for specifics!
Is this easy? No! Is it do-able? Yes. Especially if the American public woke up and said those famous words from the movie, NETWORK, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore."