Hot Tips That Lead To Cold Cash
Using Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) is one of the easiest ways to cut your electric bill. These bulbs use 75 percent less energy than regular incandescent bulbs. How much can you save? Check out CUB’s CFL Calculator.
They can cut energy bills by up to 30 percent.
In the winter, set it a few degrees cooler when you’re not at home or when you’re sleeping. You could shave 1-2 percent off your energy bill for every degree you lower the temperature for at least eight hours. So reducing the temperature from 70 degrees to 65 degrees during the day could save $100 for every $1,000 of heating costs. Of course, in the summer, set it as high as comfortably possible.
4. Clean or replace
furnace and
heat pump filters monthly
Clean or replace
furnace and
heat pump filters monthly. Dirty filters make your furnace work
harder to produce heat.
heat pump filters monthly
Cover it with an insulating blanket you can buy at a hardware store.
If you’re not going to use it for more than two hours, turn it off. Turn the monitor off if you’re not going to use it for more than 20 minutes. This will help reduce your air-conditioning needs because monitors generate a lot of heat.
A unit with a SEER 13 rating uses 25 percent less energy than a standard unit. For room air conditioners, don’t buy one that’s too big for the area it’s supposed to cool. Make sure to clean or replace air-conditioner filters regularly.
8. Reduce air leaks
around windows and doors.
Reduce air leaks around
windows and
doors. Caulk or add weather stripping, or shop for new windows
and doors if they’re in poor shape.
Your home should be properly insulated from top to bottom. Don’t assume it is. Adding more insulation can easily lead to bigger savings.
Check if your utility company or local community organization offer this service. Otherwise, contact a local heating and air conditioning business, or do one yourself.
Other Money-saving Tips
