Not an exaggeration to say that or the energy bill is too high. Lowering it seems difficult, however, without compromising your sanity or spending a fortune on things like green powered gadgets.
However, there are some things you can do to bring your energy costs down to a manageable level. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Comparing Energy Rates
If you are lucky enough to live in a place where energy companies are not regulated, such as Alberta, you will have the opportunity to shop around for energy companies so you can get the best rates. Energy prices tend to be constantly changing and this means that you should keep an eye on all the latest offers to ensure that you are not paying too much for your energy. You can do this by checking this location.
Boilers
Another way to ensure that you can take control of your energy bill is to ensure that your boiler works efficiently. If you have a boiler, it will be responsible for around 55% of your total annual energy bill for your home.
If you want to ensure that you keep your energy usage under control, your boiler must be in peak operating condition. You may also find that it will save you money if you install a central heating thermostat. Programmable would be the best bet. This will ensure your home stays at a comfortable temperature at all times without using up too much energy.
Heating, Cooling and Water
There are even more energy saving solution when it comes to heating and cooling. That includes tuning your heating and cooling system. This can save you up to 10% of your annual energy costs. Make sure you also replace the filter regularly.
Also, consider adjusting the thermostat on your hot water heater to a comfortable and warm 120 degrees, or even a little lower. If you’ll be away from home for a few days, you can even turn it off until you get back. Lowering the temperature of your water heater can save as much as 15% of the energy used to heat your water.
Block Ray
On those hot days, your home will stay cool if you close the blinds and draw down the blinds on the side of your house where there is direct light. For those who don’t want to block their view, you can always apply some kind of window film to your glass. There is the do it yourself kind of window film that you just cut to size and stick on your window, and there is the kind that needs to be applied by a professional.
These films can drastically reduce the amount of radiant heat entering your home while still allowing you to see through a window. You could also consider using an awning over your windows and if you happen to live where it is hot most of the year, you can paint your house a lighter color so the heat will be reflected rather than absorbed.
Window Air Conditioner
If you have an air conditioner that fits in a window, it’s best to place it in a window that is on the shady side of your house. You may also want to place it more towards the center of the room if possible.
Turn off
Even if you think that one of your devices is powered off, it may still be draining your power if it’s still plugged in. This is the case with many electronic devices that have their own transformer – the little black box at the end of the string. If it’s not easy to reach an outlet, plug your small electronic device into the outlet. When you don’t use it, just press the switch and the device will turn off. Of course, use the power strip wisely. If you have a watch or similar hooked up to them, turning it off and on all the time can be more of a hassle than it’s worth.
See, it’s totally possible to save money on your energy bill without breaking the bank to do it.
