6 Ways To Save On Your Energy Bill

17 Mar, 2013? Living Off The Grid

How much do you pay for energy costs in the winter months? If you?re like most Americans, you generally see a spike in costs from the mild fall months. The good news is that this change in costs doesn?t have to be so substantial. Take advantage of these 6 tips to reduce your winter energy costs:

1) Regulate your thermostat

During the cold months of the year, it can be tempting to crank up the heat. But lowering your thermostat by a few degrees ? specifically at night and when the home is unoccupied ? can make a huge difference when you get your energy bill each month. Keep your thermostat in the 70 degree range for the best results. And if you get cold, you can always put on socks and a sweater.

2) Seal off unused rooms

Your heater has to work harder to heat more square footage. There?s really no reason to heat areas of your home that you don?t use. Reduce the space your heater is responsible for by sealing off unused rooms. You could save big when that gas bill comes at the end of the month.

3) Forget the fireplace

Heating your home with a fireplace is actually inefficient. The fireplace uses the warm air inside the home to fuel the flame, and it exhausts said air through the chimney. In other words, fireplaces actually cause your home to lose heat although they?re seen as practical substitutes for central heating. Don?t get caught in this cycle ? close the damper to seal the fireplace and prevent heat loss.

4) Insulate your water heater

Put a water heater blanket or insulation jacket around your water heater, and insulate the pipes around the water heater to improve efficiency. This is especially necessary for older water heaters in unheated spaces.

5) Ensure all your entrances are sealed

Warm air can escape from small cracks in doors and windows, which can affect energy bills dramatically. Make sure you adequately insulate and weather-strip your entrances. Your home will hold heat better, and your heating system won?t be forced to consistently run to keep the house warm.

6) Let the sun do some of the work

Keep your blinds open during the daylight hours so that the heat from the sunlight can take a load off your heating unit. Results will vary depending on how your home sits and how much shading is in your yard, but the effect is substantial for some homeowners.

Saving money on energy doesn?t have to be difficult. Take advantage of these 6 tips, and you?re likely to see significant savings on your winter energy bills.

Related Posts

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2. Top 10 Ways to Slash Your Power Bill
3. How Spray Foam Insulation Can Save Money on Your Energy Bill
4. How to Reduce Your Energy Bill Year-Round
5. 3 Simple Ways to Save on Energy Costs During the Summer

Source: http://solargreen.tv/living-off-the-grid/6-ways-to-save-on-your-energy-bill.html

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