Friday, July 13, 2012

A Few Suggestions To Help Lower Your Power Bill


 

It may seem, the way the cost of everything is constantly going up, that there is little you can do about your power bill. But, that is not true. Following just a few suggestions to conserve on energy consumption can make a huge difference in what you have to pay for electricity. Some are easier than others, and some make a bigger impact than others, but all suggestions will help you lower that bill.

The first thing you should do is to check for energy leaks around your home. This includes such things as actual escape of energy around windows and doors, or wall or floors that are not insulated enough. Also, energy leaks can include those that are due to instant-on appliance and electronics. To be able to have this convenience, the electronic or appliance must use a small amount of electricity to keep it ready to come on instantly. Though it is a small amount of energy, it still adds up over time.

Professional home inspection is another tactic to enable you to save energy. The power company will often give complimentary inspections to help you conserve. They will locate places where energy is escaping from your home, and also look at your lifestyle and suggest ways to save energy. Your heater and air conditioning system should be inspected at least annually. In some areas the electric or gas company, as applicable, will do this for you. In other areas, you have to pay a small fee.

Keeping appliances and electronics, and especially heating and air conditioning units, clean will save a tremendous amount. Periodically clean electronics with special sprays designed for that purpose. Vacuum under refrigerators, clean or change filters as needed, and get furnaces and HVAC systems cleaned annually. You will be surprised at how much this can help conserve.

A really biggy so far as conserving energy begins when you are planning installing of your HVAC system. Be careful and shop for the correct size of unit. If you buy too big you will use more energy than is needed. Getting a unit that is too small will result in extra energy because the unit will have to run more time in an attempt to do its job.

Setting the thermostat a few degrees higher in the summer and a few degrees lower in the winter can save a huge amount. Though comfort may be a little compromised, adding a layer of clothing will help in the winter. In the summer, staying hydrated and planning activities during cooler parts of the day can offset some of the extra heat.

A very simple solution to excess energy usage is to install blinds and fans throughout the house. Keeping blinds pulled at least partially down will keep heat and cooling inside the house where it is needed. Fans help circulate the airflow. With ceiling fans, set them to pull air for optimum comfort. These simple solutions are inexpensive, and even if some comfort is comprised, the benefit to your power bill is well worth the little bit of effort required.