There are many
ways you can save money on your heating and cooling bills. There
isn't any reason to go without the air conditioning this summer when there are so many
other ways you can easily reduce your electric bill. Here are some tips on
getting a lower utility bill without sacrificing cool air:
Keep an eye on the lights Keep them clean, turn them off when
not being used, and using compact fluorescent lights instead of incandescent
ones. Fluorescent bulbs require 3/4ths less energy. Clean lights
and fixtures can help too, as dirt absorbs some of the light.
Unplug Is your house full of small appliances and other items that
stay plugged in whether they are used or not? By unplugging the blender, toaster, etc. when not in use can save you more than you realize.
Does your computer stay on If so, turn it off at night and
anytime you aren't actively using it. A simple, and single, computer can burn
through over $100 in electricity when it is kept on 24/7. This is another one
of those items that should be off unless used.
Watch the refrigerator
Keep the door closed
when you aren't getting something out of it, make sure that it has
enough space for a good circulation, and keep it cool. Without having
an inch on all sides of the fridge it may consume 10% more electricity.
Ensure it is in a cool section of the room, away from the stove, as
for every increase of 5 degrees on the outside of the fridge it will impact 20% more energy consumption.
Stop the leaks If you have a shower head or a faucet leaking, take care of it if you want to save on your
electric bill. There can be over 400 gallons wasted on a single faucet leak.
That leaky shower head could be replaced with one of the new low-flow heads that
uses 2.5 gallons of water a minute. Replacing shower heads can save around
15,000 gallons of water use a year, making a real dent in the water
bill and the electric bill.
Keep your thermostat in check Using fans to circulate the air can
help regulate your room temperature. Raising the thermostat a degree in the
summertime can save you 2% on the bill. 78 degrees F can be a great
setting for the lowest bills without sacrificing comfort. Also, don't turn it
on super cold and then raise it up, this moving of the dial wastes more
electricity than keeping it on a single temperature the entire day.
Making your
home more energy efficient is a great way to keep your bills in check.
About the Author: Tina Samuels writes on frugality, air conditioning tips, and small business
concepts.
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