HOMEOWNERS TIPS

Saving $$ on Energy Bills in 2009

For the last year consumers have seen gas prices rise precipitously and, while prices are lower as I write this article (Dec 2008), there is no guarantee prices will not rise again or that there will be ample supply of all fuels.  Consumers have been well schooled by the national news media that the nation is in a recession/depression and now need to have some tools at hand to make survival (until the economy turns around) not so scary.  Some tips for energy conservation are the same ones espoused by our parents such as, “close the door, were you born in a barn?!”;  others may be new ideas for many of us.  Read on and take what you can use to help cut energy costs in your home.

1.   Check your furnace.  Is it time for a new, more energy efficient unit?  With focus over the last few years on energy efficiency many new models promise immediate energy use reductions.  Spending $5,000 now for a new unit could save $1,000 to $2,000 a year in energy and/or repair costs.  Be sure to change your filters on a regular basis no matter what you do!

2.  Consider using a budget plan. While a budget plan with your energy company won’t save dollars, it may make it easier to deal with monthly bills during the months of higher energy use.  Using the budget method distributes the costs of energy evenly over the year, stabilizing the monthly bill.  Energy costs are analyzed by the company on the previous year and a monthly cost is then devised.  If your costs are lower than anticipated at the end of the year, the company will either refund the difference or credit it to your bill.  Of course if the usage is higher the consumer will owe the difference but the company normally advises the consumer on each bill what the overage may be.

3.  INSULATE.  Adding insulation in your house may reduce your energy costs, especially in an older home.  Insulation is not just the pink stuff in the rafters.  Other means of insulation include wrapping the hot water heater to help conserve energy, and adding weather stripping or caulking doors and windows to seal out the cold air.

                 4.   Use a Programmable Thermostat.  Set the temperature for the house to be   lower or higher based on the times actually at home.  We all intend to lower the thermostat when we leave the house in the morning, but how many of us actually do that?  Additionally, by programming the thermostat to raise the temperature prior to coming home, the house more comfortable when you arrive. 

                5. Save on Water Heating Costs.  Besides insulating your water heater, you can save on heating your water in a variety of ways:

a.       Use a tankless water heater – 20-50% savings in usage costs will recoup the cost of the new water heater over time.

b.      Take showers instead of baths

c.       Use low-flow shower heads

d.      Use times to keep bathers (teens) on track

e.      Use the dishwasher instead of handwashing as it is proven less water is used:

                             i.      Ensure dishwasher is full

                            ii.      Don’t pre-rinse (unless your model requires it)

                            iii.      Hand dry instead of using the dryer cycle

                            iv.      Use dishwasher after 10 PM – rates are typically lower.