You can save dollars off your monthly energy bill by how you operate your house. There are a number of things that you can do in your home that require little time and little or no cost that saves energy (and dollars) without affecting your comfort or lifestyle. If we use less gas, oil and electricity we will save money, and the pollution associated with extracting and using fossil fuels will decrease. Reducing greenhouse gas production may help to reverse global warming. In a nutshell - conservation of energy has both personal and societal benefits.
The first step to reducing your energy bill is evaluating where your home or business is wasting energy. An energy audit will show you where these problem areas are, and suggest the most effective measures for reducing energy costs.
The following electric energy use pattern is fairly common in many homes today (all-electric homes heated and cooled with an electric heat pump).
- Heating or cooling the house - 60%
- Water heating - 15%
- Refrigeration - 13%
- Everything else (TV, lights, washer, dryer, cooking, etc.) - 12%
As you can see, the greatest opportunities for energy reduction are in heating and cooling the house. You can reduce your home’s heating and cooling costs by as much as 30 percent through proper insulation and air sealing techniques.
There are four basic ways to reduce your energy use and costs:
- Develop energy saving habits: Turn off lights and other electrical products when they are not in use. Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. Clean room air conditioner filters and furnace filters monthly. Open your curtains in the morning to let the sun shine through south-facing windows. Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping. Actions like these cost nothing yet save you money in lower energy bills.
- Increase the energy efficiency of your home: Landscaping your home for energy efficiency can reduce your heating and cooling bills, the largest component of your home’s energy use. Your overall landscaping strategy will depend on your regional climate.
- Buy ENERGY STAR®-labeled products: Buying energy- efficient appliances, consumer electronics, lighting and other products can help you reduce your energy costs by up to one-third.
- Automate energy functions: Use programmable thermostats, timers for outdoor lights and other automated devices to reduce energy use.
By choosing to live an energy-smart lifestyle, you have the power to make that impact a positive one – for your budget AND the environment. With just a few small changes, you can make a noticeable difference in your utility bill, without sacrificing your comfort or convenience.
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