I don't know about you, but my bills are inching skyward. How very kind of my local utility company to raise rates in the winter! Gotta love that! But, regardless of rates, conserving energy makes sense. This four part series will show you what you can do to lower your consumption today, this week, this month, and this year.
What you can do today:
- Turn down the thermostat on your water heater to between 120 and 130 degrees. You'll save energy and avoid scalding your skin.
- Most modern appliances have "energy-saver" settings which use less water, electricity, and/ or gas. Look for, and use, this setting on your refrigerator, dishwasher, washer and dryer.
- Replace some or all of your incandescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescent lights. They're a bit more expensive at first but they last for years and use 75% less energy than incandescents, saving you money in the long run. If you can only afford a few at a time, start in the rooms where you use the lights the most - usually the kitchen, family rooms, and kids' bedrooms.
- Clean or replace furnace filters regularly. Even "disposable" filters can be vacuumed and reused several times before throwing them out. This can also help with minor indoor-air allergies!
Next time we'll look at what you can do this week to conserve energy and money on your utility bills. If you're thinking of buying or selling a home, call the JMC Group at 360-609-6775. Or visit the "Contact Us" page of our website at www.MyRealtorIsJamie.com. We are here to help!
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