Some Suggestions for Lowering Your Energy Costs
January 22, 2009
A recent electric bill was almost half of what has been the usual amount. I hadn't done any special energy saving changes, but the difference was the result of the pool motor needing to be replaced and hence being off for a few weeks. Wow! having a pool does impact the monthly electric bill. However, swimming laps in a pool is important to me.
So what are ways to cut your energy bills.
1. During these cooler months, run your pool pump for a shorter time.
2. Set you thermostats at 68-72 degrees.
3. Call your utility company and get an energy audit.
4. Check your insulation.
5. Seal your windows and doors.
6. Replace older windows with new dual panes. (According to researchers, this is the home improvement that gives you the best return on the dollars spent.)
7. Then there are the light bulbs. (I found it took some time to get used to the light produced by the new energy saving bulbs, but they do cost less to operate.)
8. Change your furnace filters frequently
9. Install ceiling fans and don't use the AC unless it is unbearably hot.
10. Southern California Edison will install a turn off device on your AC and give you a discount on your electric bill. (We have done this for years and it has not been an inconvenience.)
11. Insulate your hot water tank. If you need a new tank, consider the tankless heaters.
12. Don't fall asleep watching that LED or plasma TV. It absolutely sucks juice.
13. Check out all those little green lights that indicate that your appliances are plugged into the electric current. If you can, unplug those that you are not using. According to one source, standby power accounts for 10% of residential usage.
14. Check out the rebates that are available for replacing refrigerators, freezers and other appliances.
15. Set your sprinkler timers to every other day, during the cold season.
16. Install drip watering systems where possible.
After a month or two of these energy saving changes, check your bills. Hopefully you will be pleasantly surprised.
A recent electric bill was almost half of what has been the usual amount. I hadn't done any special energy saving changes, but the difference was the result of the pool motor needing to be replaced and hence being off for a few weeks. Wow! having a pool does impact the monthly electric bill. However, swimming laps in a pool is important to me.
So what are ways to cut your energy bills.
1. During these cooler months, run your pool pump for a shorter time.
2. Set you thermostats at 68-72 degrees.
3. Call your utility company and get an energy audit.
4. Check your insulation.
5. Seal your windows and doors.
6. Replace older windows with new dual panes. (According to researchers, this is the home improvement that gives you the best return on the dollars spent.)
7. Then there are the light bulbs. (I found it took some time to get used to the light produced by the new energy saving bulbs, but they do cost less to operate.)
8. Change your furnace filters frequently
9. Install ceiling fans and don't use the AC unless it is unbearably hot.
10. Southern California Edison will install a turn off device on your AC and give you a discount on your electric bill. (We have done this for years and it has not been an inconvenience.)
11. Insulate your hot water tank. If you need a new tank, consider the tankless heaters.
12. Don't fall asleep watching that LED or plasma TV. It absolutely sucks juice.
13. Check out all those little green lights that indicate that your appliances are plugged into the electric current. If you can, unplug those that you are not using. According to one source, standby power accounts for 10% of residential usage.
14. Check out the rebates that are available for replacing refrigerators, freezers and other appliances.
15. Set your sprinkler timers to every other day, during the cold season.
16. Install drip watering systems where possible.
After a month or two of these energy saving changes, check your bills. Hopefully you will be pleasantly surprised.
posted by shirley harry at 8:23 AM
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