Home Energy Savings


Energy Efficiency


Residential Energy

Cut Energy Costs

With winter right around the corner and energy costs on the rise, it has never been a better time to make your home more energy efficient and cut your overall energy costs. Here are some tips to cut your energy costs:

Install a thermostat that can be programmed to reduce the temperature during the night and when you are away from home. You can reduce your heating costs by as much as 10 percent by simply reducing the heat.

Insulating your water heater with a water heater jacket can keep heat from escaping. A water heater jacket is easy to install and can save hundreds of dollars on your energy bills over the lifetime of your water heater.

Make sure that you have adequate insulation in your attic; this can reduce your energy heating needs by up to 20 percent. You need at least 19 inches of batt or 22 inches of blown insulation. Make sure that your attic is properly ventilated. If your insulation gets even slightly damp, it can lose as much as one third of its ability to insulate.

Clean or replace your furnace filters before you need to start using your furnace. A clogged or dirty filter will reduce the airflow in your heating system.

Check your heat ducts. By sealing your heating ducts, you can reduce the amount of warm air that is lost from poor fitting duct joints and cut your energy costs. Use either foil-backed tape made for this purpose.

Check the caulk and weather strip around your windows, outlets, doors and light switches. If it is showing signs of wear, replace it. This will prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from entering your home.

Keep the drapes and shades on the south side of your house open during the warmest part of the day to capture as much sunlight as possible. The sunlight will help warm your house and cut your energy costs. Close all your drapes and shades at night to keep the warm air inside your house.

Use long lasting compact fluorescent bulbs in your house. They require less power and can save you money on your electric bill.

Shut down stereo systems, TVs and computers when you are not using them. Most of these systems will continue to draw energy even when they are idle. Install a power strip to easily shut down these systems and cut your energy costs.

By using all or even a few of these energy saving tips, you will cut your energy costs and save yourself some money.