As summer dwindles and winter approaches, energy prices edge upward across the country causing electricity bills to skyrocket.  Consumers can cut their energy use and save money with high efficiency air conditioners and other efficient appliances.  There are several tips to help cut electricity costs, including planting shade trees and shrubs around your house, especially on the west side.  Running heat-generating appliances such as clothes dryers and dishwashers in the evening hours is another way to reduce the energy usage.  It’s also wise to keep windows and doors closed during the day, especially while the sun is the hottest during the summer months.  Regardless of how small or efficient a lamp, appliance, air conditioner, boiler, or motor is, the greatest energy savings will come from turning it off and keeping it off. 

There are many forms of energy including natural gas, propane, fuel oil, gasoline, and so on.  The different forms differ also in price and the option to seek the least expensive choice is not always available.  Check with your energy provider to see if they offer a “time of use” discount.  A discount may be offered if the customer is using the appliance during off peak hours to save energy.  If you have an electric water heater you can save a lot of money by installing a timer.  This will limit the amount of hot water that is available during specific times of the day and may be adjusted for your family schedule.  Energy savings bulbs are available in all shapes and sizes and use much less wattage than regular bulbs and last up to six times longer.  They typically pay for themselves in no time.  Energy savings bulbs are also sold in five to six bulb packages and cost less than regular bulbs. 

To ensure that your refrigerator and freezer work at maximum efficiency, be sure to pull the appliance away from the wall to clean the dust off of the heat exchanger grill.  The grill attracts dust that acts as an insulating layer, which makes the appliance less efficient.  Simply vacuum the dust off using your brush attachment and the appliance will use less electricity.  Central air conditioners, heat pumps, and forced air furnaces rely on a system of ducts to circulate air throughout your home.  Leaky ducts can waste energy so it’s wise to try to determine if your home is leaking hot air in the winter or cool air in the summer. 

If your windows and doors are leaking, the chances are high that you’re paying more to heat and cool your home.  Simple do-it-yourself projects include sealing obvious gaps and cracks with caulk, spray foam, or weather strips.  More sophisticated tasks such as adding insulation may require hiring a home performance contractor.  These contractors may also help you determine where less obvious leaks may be and they can also diagnose whether your heating and cooling systems are running efficiently.  If a performance contract examines your equipment and deems it old, outdated, or inefficient they may recommend replacing your furnace or central air conditioning system with “Energy Star” rated equipment.

Rising energy prices make it more attractive to seek out alternatives including solar electric power.  Solar electric power systems allow the consumer to power their home using the sun’s energy.  Sunlight is absorbed by solar panels and converted into electricity.  These systems tend to be extremely pricey and may range in cost from $20,000 to $25,000.  Some states will reward homeowners who install solar systems by offering financial assistance.  The assistance may include rebates on solar electric systems and tax credits.  Solar hot water systems also harness the sun’s energy, but rather than converting it to electricity, the system is used to heat hot water.  Solar hot water systems can even be used to heat your home using heating tubes encased in the floor.  The technology of solar hot water systems is far less expensive than a solar electric system, but it may take up to five or six years to reap the financial benefits on this investment. 

Over time the consumer will save up to 75% to 80% of their hot water and heating costs.  Some of the more simple techniques to cost electricity costs include setting your thermostat lower at night and when you’re away from home.  Find the lowest setting that is comfortable for you and your family and you’ll see the difference in your electricity bill, guaranteed.

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