Home Energy Conservation

By now, the idea of maximum efficiency for heating and cooling is definitely in fashion, what with the recent weather extremes. Here are some ways that you can lower your utility electric bill.

Have your place checked out. Get a certified technician to do a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) check on your house. An inspection will cost you around a $100, but that’s small change. Imagine the long-term savings you will have when you finally repair all the concerns that will be pointed out. If you schedule the inspection during a lull, you can get a discount for the service.

Unplug unused appliances. Up to 10% of your bill can be on standby power to appliances that are plugged in. The best way is to put all devices and appliances with a standby system on power strips that you can turn off easily.

CFL bulbs are the future of lighting. Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) bulbs consume less energy and are brighter than their equivalent traditional light bulb. Switching to CFL’s can save you more than $20 annually.

Insulate your home. You can save up to 20% of your current utility electric bill simply by plugging as many leaks as possible in your home. This can be done through caulking, expandable sealants or even duct tape. The better the insulation work, the more efficient your house will be.

Appliances should be just right. When getting a new air-conditioner, check the Energy Star guidelines to find out exactly how powerful a unit you need. If your unit isn’t matched to your room, it will waste energy and end up being inefficient at removing humidity.

Maintenance is always important. Keep the filters clean. Dust and dirt contribute to inefficiency.

Use your thermostat. Lower the temperature in your house when everyone is out, and slightly when everyone is asleep. The annual savings from this action alone can pay for your HVAC inspection.