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Saving Money on those Energy Bills

By
Commercial Real Estate Agent with Communitas Realty Partners

This year these tidbits seem even more important.  It has been cold and snowy not only here in Colorado, but across the country, from California to Maine.  Here are a few ways to save on that sky high energy bill.

•1.      Buy a $50 programmable thermostat, and you'll never have to remember to dial down the heat or AC.  Reduce the heat by 4 degrees when you sleep, and you'll save 4%.

•2.      Turn down your hot water heater.  Every 10 degree reduction saves 3-5% on your hot water costs.

•3.      Replace or clean your air filter monthly.  When dirt blocks the filter, your system has to work much harder.

•4.      Insulate your water heater.  This $20 investment can shave 5-10% off your hot-water bill.

•5.      Wash clothes in cold water.  For most loads, cold or warm water is all you need.  Washing in hot water adds $60 to your bill a year.

•6.      Shut your fireplace flue after every fire, just don't forget to open it when you use it again!

•7.      Buy foam sealant to fill gaps in doors, windows and baseboards.  Sealing them can save you up to 10% on your bill.

•8.      Buy the longer lasting compact flourescent bulbs, they cost a bit more, but last longer and can save about 20% on your electric bill.

Comments (3)

Donna Harris
Donna Homes, powered by JPAR - TexasRealEstateMediationServices.com - Austin, TX
Realtor,Mediator,Ombudsman,Property Tax Arbitrator
My husband replaced many of our light bulbs with the flourescent.  They aren't as bright, but don't use as much energy.  He did this because the pantry light kept being left on.  THis way, I can leave it on for hours and still not use that much energy.
Jan 19, 2007 03:18 AM
Dusty Irving
My Texas Home Real Estate - Fort Worth, TX

Thanks for the tips! What we recommend on Electric Water Heaters is to install a timer. If you will set the timer so the heater is off during the night while you sleep and during the day while you are away at work. Then you will not be using energy to heat water you don't need to heat.

Dusty Irving
United Country Real Estate
Fort Worth, Texas

 

Jan 19, 2007 03:19 AM
Jeff Tompkins
Communitas Realty Partners - Thornton, CO
Great tips from both Dusty and Donna, thank you!
Jan 19, 2007 03:23 AM