Reduce Utility Bills

Some of the ideas below will require an initial investment, others are low cost. Here are the 11 ideas:

1. Have shrubs and deciduous trees on the south side of home to provide shade to reduce cooling costs. During the winter cut back to take advantage of the heat from the sun and reduce heating costs.
2. Unplug appliances and chargers when not in use. Power strips or extension cords can make this quick and convenient.
3. Seal and insulate heating and cooling ducts. Costs can be reduced by 30%. Use the foil faced tape, “duct” tape will dry and crack over time.
4. When purchasing new appliances buy energy efficient ones. Replace older energy consuming models while they are still working. They can be resold and that money can be put towards the new appliance.
5. In an attic with exposed floor joists, add more insulation. 12- 15 inches will achieve an R-38 rating to keep cool air in the house and hot air out in the summer. It will do the reverse in the winter.
6. Insulate hot water heater and the pipes. As much as 25% of energy costs can be consumed by a hot water heater. Insulation may allow you to lower the temperature by 10 degrees without reducing hot water availability.
7. Upgrade furnace and air conditioners when possible. If you cannot upgrade, be sure to keep the furnace and air conditioner properly maintained to increase efficiency.
8. This one is easy and affordable, exchange incandescent bulbs with fluorescents. They tend to be brighter so a reduced watt bulb may be able to be used. Buy a couple at first to try out. Check which sockets the fluorescent bulbs will fit. Some lamp designs are not compatible with the fluorescent bulb size difference.
9. Keeping the temperature higher (in the summer) and lower (in the winter) when no one is home manually or with a programmable thermostat will reduce energy use and bills. Do not turn off air conditioners or heaters completely because it may cause them to work too hard to reach a comfortable temperature when you are home.
10. Ventilating will allow hot air to escape.  putting one or two on a roof ventelators will allow the hot air (which rises) to escape. During the winter, these can be covered so that the warm air will remain on the roof.
11. Wearing less or more clothing, adding a blanket, or taking a cool shower to maintain body temperature can help to allow for a 5 degree (higher in summer, lower in winter) difference in thermostat settings while maintaining  comfort.

Saving energy is good for the environment and good for the pocketbook!