13 Ways to Lower Utility Bills

Question: With summer coming up, I just dread my electric bills. Isn’t there any way to keep them low? ~ Thomas

Reduce your Electric BillsAnswer: Thomas, what a hot topic!

The key to achieving maximum energy savings in your home is to create a whole-house energy efficiency plan. View your home as an energy system with interdependent parts. For example, your heating system is not just a furnace-it’s a heat-delivery system that starts at the furnace and delivers heat throughout your home using a network of ducts. Even a top-of-the-line, energy-efficient furnace will burn a lot of fuel if the ducts, walls, attic, windows, and doors are not insulated and leak. Taking a whole-house approach to saving energy ensures that dollars you invest to save energy are spent wisely.
Easy low-cost and no-cost ways to save energy.

1. Set your thermostat comfortably low in the winter (68-70) and comfortably high in the summer (78-80). Install a programmable thermostat that is compatible with your heating and cooling system.
2. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. Don’t just throw these in the trash because they have mercury in them. Contact your recycling center to find out how to dispose of them properly.
3. Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle. If your utility company offers off-peak rates, use your dishwasher (and washing machine/dryer) at night.
4. Turn off your computer and other home electronics such as TVs and DVD players when not in use. Smart power strips are will turn off electricity to appliances and electronic devices that are not in use.
5. Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120° F.
6. Take short showers instead of baths.
7. Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. Use cold water for clothes washing and hang your clothes to dry.
8. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label on home appliances and products. ENERGY STAR® products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
9. Have your air conditioner tuned up annually and change filters on both your air conditioner and furnace monthly when in use.
10. Use your furnace fan to circulate air throughout your house. This can make it seem cooler without running the air conditioner.
11. Install attic fans to push out that super hot air in the attic (up to 130 degrees!). I did this a few years ago and my upstairs is a lot cooler and I don’t have to use my air conditioner as much at night to get to sleep. Ask your electrician to install the quietest fan available.
12. Open your windows and curtains at night when it cools down and close them in the morning to keep the heat and beating sun out.
13. Install insulating clear film on your windows. You won’t even notice it but it will keep both heat and cold out.