Wednesday, 22 May 2013

Tips To Lowering Electricity Costs


The cost of electricity has doubled over the last few years. Wise homeowners are using every tip they can find to keep the cost of electricity at affordable levels. The top eight tips are:


1. Heating System Maintenance
At least once a year the filters on your heating system need to be replaced. The best time to do this is in the fall before the first cold snap. In addition, if your system has been working overtime during a lengthy or exceptionally cold winter, it is always a good idea to check the filters halfway through the season or in early spring.
2. Lower Your Thermostat 7 -10 Degrees Overnight
Although 7-10 degrees is best, even a drop of 5 degrees overnight will lower your electric bill. The most convenient way to lower your thermostat by 10 degrees is to keep the winter temperature at 65 during the day and wear more layers of clothing. Then at night lower your temperature another 5 degrees overnight and sleep with extra blankets.
3. Seal Your Home
After you make sure your insulation in your walls and attic are the best you can install, take a look at your windows and doors. Use double-paned windows and replace the seals on your doors, if necessary.
4. Use Window Coverings
Another tip to keep out the cold winter air is to use window coverings. You would be amazed at how much protection window coverings provide to the comfort of your home. Some people, especially in the cold northeast, often make or buy quilted window coverings just for the winter.
5. Turn Off Your Computer And Monitor
This is an excellent solution to cutting down on electrical consumption. Although your computer doesn't use as much electricity as your refrigerator, you can turn off your computer overnight, something you should never do with your refrigerator.
6. Use Power Strips For Minor Appliances
All appliances use electricity when plugged in, even when not in use. So to save on your electric bill, you can turn off all minor appliances overnight with one flip of the switch with a power strip.

7. Use Cold Water For Your Laundry
Even if you use cold water, your laundry will still get clean in cold water. Using hot water was your grandmother's idea when everything was washed with lye soap. This is a different age.
8. Use A Home Solar System For All Your Electrical Needs
Even if you do all of the above, you could still be spending a small fortune on electricity. The best way to beat the cost of the increasing price of electricity is to install solar panels in your home. Gone are the days of passive solar heat. Now you can enjoy warm winters and cool summers and be comfortable all year long. The battery storage in a solar system will even take you through those overcast winter days. You only need to purchase a home solar system once to have all your electrical needs met.

1 comment:

  1. This is another way to keep humidity low in your space. You can do this by simply lowering the setting of your thermostat or increasing the number of fan speed cycles per hour (if applicable). Bear in though that this will cause your AC unit to work harder so it will cost more money in the long run. https://www.k2hvac.com

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