How to Reduce Energy Bills
Here are 10 simple ways to reduce your home energy bills:
1. Have your air conditioner and furnace professionally checked each year. If they're not running at peak efficiency, they'll increase your utility bills over time.
2. Check windows and doors for drafts. Caulking and weather stripping are usually quick and easy jobs.
3. Check all air vents intake and output to be sure that nothing is obstructing air flow. Close the vents and doors in rooms that you rarely use.
4. Clean out your refrigerator and freezer. If they're packed full, they'll be less efficient.
5. Don't turn lights out every time you leave a room, if you're likely to return soon, as turning them on and off actually uses more energy. As your old incandescent light bulbs wear out, replace them with compact fluorescent bulbs.
6. Consider a programmable thermostat, which will automatically turn the heat or air conditioning on or off as you need it. (You can program it to keep heating and cooling to a minimum when you're not home.)
7. Lowering your home's temperature in winter by even a degree will save you a little; three or four degrees will save a lot. Wear slippers and a sweater, and keep your thermostat at 65 instead of 70, and your savings will add up fast.
8. Wash your clothes in cold water when you can, and don't wash less than a full load. Load the dryer only with fast-drying items, like t-shirts and underwear; line-dry jeans and bed sheets.
9. When buying new appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR designation, which indicates energy efficiency.
10. A bright room lightens your mood, but sunlight adds heat. Close the curtains when you're not using a room.
To view ratings on home appliances or home improvement retailers, click here:
http://www.jdpower.com/homes
1. Have your air conditioner and furnace professionally checked each year. If they're not running at peak efficiency, they'll increase your utility bills over time.
2. Check windows and doors for drafts. Caulking and weather stripping are usually quick and easy jobs.
3. Check all air vents intake and output to be sure that nothing is obstructing air flow. Close the vents and doors in rooms that you rarely use.
4. Clean out your refrigerator and freezer. If they're packed full, they'll be less efficient.
5. Don't turn lights out every time you leave a room, if you're likely to return soon, as turning them on and off actually uses more energy. As your old incandescent light bulbs wear out, replace them with compact fluorescent bulbs.
6. Consider a programmable thermostat, which will automatically turn the heat or air conditioning on or off as you need it. (You can program it to keep heating and cooling to a minimum when you're not home.)
7. Lowering your home's temperature in winter by even a degree will save you a little; three or four degrees will save a lot. Wear slippers and a sweater, and keep your thermostat at 65 instead of 70, and your savings will add up fast.
8. Wash your clothes in cold water when you can, and don't wash less than a full load. Load the dryer only with fast-drying items, like t-shirts and underwear; line-dry jeans and bed sheets.
9. When buying new appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR designation, which indicates energy efficiency.
10. A bright room lightens your mood, but sunlight adds heat. Close the curtains when you're not using a room.
To view ratings on home appliances or home improvement retailers, click here:
http://www.jdpower.com/homes