Electrical Bill Money Saving Tips

It’s never too late to prepare your home or office for the cold weather and the effect it may have on your electric costs. I hate to say it, but we’ve only felt a brush of Mother Nature’s wrath. But hopefully, it won’t be too bad… HOPEFULLY!

In any case here are some things you can do around your home or office that are easy and inexpensive to help save you some money while we recoup from the holidays. Implementing these quick tips will help create savings this season.

REDUCING YOUR HEATING COSTS-

Make sure to set the thermostat to 68°in the winter. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but dressing in layers and using blankets can help you to feel more comfortable. Also, lower the thermostat setting at night and when you’re away. Avoid sudden increases in temperature of the thermostat, instead purchase a programmable thermostat that will gradually increase the temperature. I know this may sound a little weird to some of you but, for those of you that have a central heating system do not close doors or registers in unused rooms. This will disrupt the airflow and create cold spots.

SEALING UP THOSE AIR LEAKS-

Are all the windows in your home or office closed securely?? Is the crawl space and vents closed??  Many people don’t know that a lot of their money is flowing right through the cracks and crevices that are not sealed up shut. At the same time, while you’re trying to heat yourself up, you are also heating up the outside. Windows, doors, and even electrical outlets are culprits of heat and energy loss. Another culprit in some areas is the clothes dryer. In the colder months leave in some laundry with the door closed to block the heat loss. Also as a safety precaution, keep the dryer door closed especially in homes with small children. Wrap it up or caulk it up to heat inside your home and the change in your pocket. Jingle-Jingle J

USING LESS HOT WATER-

If you haven’t already, it’s a good idea to lower the temperature setting on your water heater to 120°. Most water heater heaters come programmed with a higher temperature

which will use more energy. If your water is located in the basement or garage, insulating the tank and hot water pipes will protect it from energy loss.

LIMITING THE USE OF SPACE HEATERS-

Space heaters use a significant amount of energy and can greatly increase your heating and cooling costs. A typical 1500- watt space heater used only 5 hours a day would use about 155 kWh per month – about $28. That’s ONLY five hours! WOW! If you are on a tight budget this is definitely going to sting.

ARE YOU A OWNER OF A SMALL FRIDGE OR FREEZER??

If you don’t keep your spare refrigerator or freezer full it should definitely be emptied and unplugged until it’s needed. They also need to be placed in areas that are well conditioned. You will risk it becoming inoperable since refrigerators and freezers are not designed to be kept in cold or hot areas.

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR HVAC SERVICED THIS YEAR???

Your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system may add to the problem but the real cause of your problem is drafts. Outside air is getting into your home from the air leaks in your home’s shell and ducts. Close them up! Your heating and air system works harder because of those leaks. Have your heating and air system serviced yearly and have your air ducts cleaned just as well. This not only provides you with a healthy breathing environment for you and your loved ones, it also keeps your air duct system efficiently, effectively running smoothly.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE BIGGEST FILTER IN YOUR HOME-

Did you know that the carpet in your home or office helps to promote good indoor air quality? That is if you maintain it properly. To do so, it is recommended that you vacuum your carpet 2-3 times a week at best. Make sure and schedule to have a professional carpet cleaning twice a year. Your carpet traps odors and other pollutants out of the air and out of your lungs. This will take care of pollutant buildup. If you want to maintain your home and health, take care of it. When you do it will also take care of you……..

~A Clean Home Is A Healthy Home

Happy Holidays!