Are you facing increased energy bills? Maybe even dreading the cost of your heating bill this winter? Looking for efficient ways for for energy saving at home? You are not alone and you will discover that you have the power to save energy and money. Your interest in lowering your bills is the first step toward exercising this power.
Educating yourself will help you find steps toward energy cost savings.
The following are the major components of energy bills:
-type of energy
-cost of the resource
-amount of energy used
-efficiency of the system
-use of the energy
The real key to your power to save is to recognize where you have choices.
There are many sources of energy to choose from to power your home.
Among these are electricity, natural gas, propane, kerosene and
solar.
While the energy costs are larger out of your hands, there ways to reduce your out of pocket expense.
You may qualify for assistance via government, utility and non profit organizations.
For instance there are programs that give discounts if you are elderly, low income, operate medically
necessary equipment in your home or are jobless due to the recession.
Recent deregulation laws, allow competition in to enter the marketplace. This is good news for homes and smaller businesses.
The choice to shop price via wholesale pricing and retail bidding on these necessary expenses has previously only been available to large commercial customers.
The remaining three components are closely related and are variables in which you have increasing amounts of control.
Awareness and choice play a big role. Choosing to install energy management and power saver devices to optimize your electrical
system is an effective option. Feedback and information from these devices can be used to modify your use and improve efficiency.
Smart technologies allow you to do this remotely.
Your electrical, gas or other system probably needs an audit and tune-up. This will reveal how your system is
wasting energy. You can choose to upgrade or replace your system with energy-wise
units, appliances, windows, doors and skylights. Tax credits and rebates may be granted for these efforts to save energy
from federal and many state government programs.
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_taxcredits
There are various simple and less costly steps to make your system more energy efficient such as adding insulation, weather stripping, caulk and
lined drapes to help maintain temperatures and stop air leaks. Repairing water leaks, adding water flow reducers and upgrading light bulbs will
also make a difference.
The final component is you. You can make a huge difference in your energy bills by how you choose to use your electricity,
natural gas, and even water. Not only the amount used but also the time of day affects your energy costs.
You are most likely familiar with these options and more that are easy and free to do. Simply put, shut off or unplugging lights, TVs, computers and power strips
when not in use. Do not let the water run while grooming, bathing or doing the dishes. Use hot water only when necessary.
Add extra blankets or clothing for warmth. Limit use of electricity during peak periods when costs are higher.
Saving money and saving energy all comes down to you. Seeking information and assistance along with changing your ways will give you measurable results. Through the choices you make, you do have the power to save.
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