Do you feel like you’re paying too much each month on your energy bill? Follow these 12 steps in cutting costs.

1. Drafty Windows: Leaky window frames can account for 10-25% of your heating costs. Apply new latex to frame to decrease heat loss.
2. Mystifying Utility Bill: Most homeowners bill s down breakdown cost by category. You can hook up your appliances to smart plugs to monitor usage by type.
3. Damaged Fireplace: Up to 20% of warmed air can escape through your chimney flue. Hire a chimney sweep to clean and check the damper to seal.
4. “Phantom” appliance and electronics: Electronics that are always “on” can be adding up to 10% of your electric bill.
5. Old Water Heater: Old heaters are lined with fiberglass, not the foam used today. Some utility companies offer rebate on heater jackets, check yours today.
6. Under-the-door infiltration: Most homeowners neglect to weather strip under the door, see if you are missing this vital step.
7. Leaky Ductwork: Tape sealing your pipes joints can dry out over time. You can patch small holes or apply HVAC foil to re-seal joints.
8. Overworked Fridge: The door seal can build up dirt and lose its seal over the years. If you feel no resistance when opening the door then it’s time to clean the rubber gaskets.
9. Exterior Wall Openings: Holes for sewer, phone and exhaust vents are typically poorly or uninsulated. Fill gaps with silicone chalk or polyurethane foam.
10. Attic Hatch: A flimsy piece of plywood can suck out as much as an open fireplace chimney. Secure foam to the backside of the hatch to prevent leakage.
11. Uninsulated Switches: A thin metal plate will not prevent air leakage. Install a precut foam gasket to prevent air from escaping.
12. Outmoded furnace: Check the make date of your furnace, those made before 1992 are only up to 55-78% efficient.

Hopefully these tips will help you save money on your next Energy bill!

Stay tuned for Leadpile’s new Home Improvement offer when you can find local contractors to help you with these easy fixes.

California is seeing an increase in home remodeling projects, something this economy hasn’t seen since 2007. Home owners are feeling more confident about the economy and 62% of homeowners surveyed indicated they plan to spend an average of $6,200 on enhancements. California saw consumer spending decrease 27% in 2007, but 2010 shows an estimated 5% growth. This could potentially be the first year of growth for this sector since 2006.

Home Depot and Lowe’s are projecting an average 2% same-store sales growth for 2010, a great sign of an economic recovery. Contractors are experiencing an increase of inbound calls for new jobs.  While it’s still nowhere near it use to be, business is picking up.

In anticipation of the rebound of the Home Services sector, Leadpile is launching it’s new home improvement website.  Watch for the website to be available in the coming weeks where you can find a certified contractor near you.