Efficiency
Saves Money 
While
there is little we can do to control the unpredictable prices
of world commodities, we can control what happens in our own
home. We can save hundreds of dollars each year by following
a few simple principles. Here are a few ideas to help you
meet the never-ending challenges of staying comfortable and
saving money.
Energy
Saving Tips for Winter
- Your
heating system need a regular cleaning and tune-up
to run at peak efficiency. Schedule a check-up on your heater
before the weather gets cold.
- During
the heating season change the filter on your furnace
monthly. A dirty filter can decrease the efficiency of your
furnace increasing your energy consumption.
- Install
a programmable or timer thermostat, which can help
you save 15% or more on your annual energy bills. These
thermostats can raise and lower the temperature settings
automatically several times a day. For under $100, you can
buy a quality programmable or timer thermostat that will
save you money for years to come.
- Consider
a gas fireplace as an alternative to a wood-burning
one. Propane fireplaces are much more efficient, distribute
the heat more evenly and can cost significantly less to
use.
- Repair
drafts around doors and windows. These can be some of
the largest energy wasters in your home.
Energy
Saving Tips for Heating Water
- Use
a gas water heater. A gas water heater heats your
water twice as fast as an electric unit for less energy
costs. A large electric water heater may be replaced by
a smaller, cost efficient gas unit without sacrificing performance.
- With
low flow showerheads you can reduce the amount of
hot water consumed in the shower by 40% without effecting
shower water pressure.
- When
using the dishwasher or washing machine be sure you have
a full load. A washing machine uses an average of
45-50 gallons per cycle. This can add up quickly.
- Turn
off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving.
This can save up to 9 gallons each morning.
- Fix
any dripping faucets. One dripping faucet can waste
350 gallons of water or more in just one month! Over a year
that can add up to $180 or more.
Energy
Saving Tips for the Kitchen
- Cook
with gas. A gas range can cost significantly less to
use than an electric range.
- Select
a gas range with electronic pilotless ignition, this
can use 40% less energy than a range with a standing pilot
light.
- Check
the seal on your oven door. Gaps or tears in the seal
let heat escape, wasting energy.
- When
cooking use copper-bottomed cookware. They can heat
up quicker and more evenly than regular pans.
- Always
cook with lids on your cookware. Boiling spaghetti
without a lid can use three times as much energy.
- Set
the temperature in your refrigerator at 40 degrees,
and your freezer around 5 degrees. A refrigerator set at
10 degrees colder than 40 can use 25% more electricity.
- Don’t
lay foil on the oven racks. Food cooks more quickly
and efficiently in ovens when air can circulate freely.
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