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Cut Your Energy Bill

The Obama Administration is considering legislation that could force you to pay more for your energy costs. Get in the habit today to cut back on your household energy and you not only will be prepared for the rising costs but you will have money in the bank from all of your savings.

Tips to Cut Your Energy Bill

1. Kick up the temperature on your thermostat. The goal is to have your air conditioning set at around 78 degrees Fahrenheit. For each degree lower that you turn down your air it will cost you approximately 5% more each month.

2. Pay for the upgrade. Installing a programmable thermostat can help you save even more money during the year. Program the temperature to be hotter during the day when you are in the home and cooler at night when you are sleeping (cooler temperatures help you get a better night’s sleep). You will need to get a programmable thermostat specific for your type of unit so talk with your installer.

3. Turn out the lights when you are cooling the home. One light bulb may not give off a whole lot of heat, but a dozen will definitely push the temperature up a little. If you don’t need the lights then turn them off when you are cooling the home.

4. Weather proof your home. Install or replace worn weather strip around doors and windows. Look for places that heat and cool can escape like holes for pipes and other places.

5. Install the right unit for your location. Heat pumps are great money savers – for moderate temperatures. When temperatures get extreme then the heat pump can actually eat more energy and more of your money than other units. Discuss the specifics of the heating and cooling capabilities of the different units and choose one that will work best for your typical weather conditions.

6. Be aware of the outside temperature when you are doing inside chores. You don’t want to be running the dishwasher, the dryer or the washing machine (on hot cycle) during the heat of the day when your air conditioning system is already struggling to cool things off.

Saving money is important for most people these days. Finding ways to cut your household energy budget can provide savings from around $50 per month and on up depending on your current expenses.

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