Tips for conserving energy and lowering your electric bill!

 

Manage the Thermostat 
 You can save as much as 3% off your heating and cooling cost for each degree lower you set your thermostat in the winter and for each degree higher  you set it in the summer.

Adjust Drapes and Curtains
Closed window treatments during summer months greatly help to block unwanted solar heat.  Open the window treatments in the winter to allow natural solar warming.

Compact Fluorescents
Use CFLs wherever possible.  Not only are they two thirds more energy efficient but also last as much as ten times longer.  Regular incandescent bulbs lose much of there energy creating heat.  This additional heat adds more load to your air conditioner in the summer and is hardly an efficient means of heat during the winter.  Of course, turn off the lights when you leave a room.

Cracks and Openings
  Proper weather stripping of doors and windows and sealing of cracks and openings in your homes exterior can reduce energy cost by 5 - 10%.  Check your attic and crawlspace for sufficient insulation and ventilation.  Close foundation vents in the winter and  open them during summer months.

Landscape for Energy Savings
  Leafy trees like oaks and maples provide cooling shade during summer months then shed their leaves in the fall allowing warm sun rays to help heat your house.  Properly placed evergreens and shrubs around the foundation can serve to block cold winds during the fall and winter months.  Savings on heating and cooling cost could be as much as 20%.

Appliances and Electronics
  Turn off and/or unplug appliances and electronics like computers, TVs, and microwaves when not in use.  The electricity to power these devices in stand-by mode may be costing you as much as 5% or more of your energy bill.  Upgrade to new energy efficient appliances whenever possible.