Keeping Electricity Bills Low

Gain Control of Your Energy Consumption with These Easy Energy Saving Tips.

Weather is the #1 Cause of High Bills

Hot Weather - Lowering your thermostat to stay comfortable in humid weather causes your A/C to run longer, which increases energy use.  

Cold Weather - Heating is two to three times more expensive than cooling. People also tend to take longer showers in colder weather, which increases water heating costs.

Electronics and Appliances

Many electronic devices continue to draw power even when they are not in use. Consider either plugging these devices into a power strip with an on/off button or unplugging items when not in use to conserve energy. This includes: 

• Plasma and large-screen TVs use more electricity and produce more heat, which makes your A/C work harder
• Stereos 
• DVD and DVR players  
• Cellphone and battery chargers
• Caution: shutting some items off may require reprogramming.

Household Size and Guests

House guests can cause your electricity use to go up, mainly due to the increase in hot water usage. Also, the size, age and type of house you live in can impact the amount of energy you consume.

Length of Billing Cycle

The date of your meter read varies slightly from month-to-month due to weekends and holidays; therefore, the number of days included in your monthly bill can vary between 25-35. So, even if you use the same amount of energy per day, your bill may vary from one month to the next, depending upon the number of days included in your bill.

Did You Know?

Your air conditioner works harder when heat and light enter your home through windows and doors. There are some simple things you can do to prevent excessive sunlight from entering, which will save you money and make your home more comfortable.

Roofs

The data below highlights how different roof colors and types will affect your energy savings. We hope you'll take these important factors into consideration.

*These savings are based on a comparison to a dark gray shingle roof. The savings are reflected in annual air conditioning savings for a 1,770 sq. ft. home.

Window Shading

Windows and glass doors that face east and west are the most prone to letting unwanted heat into your home. Here are some ways to shade the area: 

• Landscaping - You must plan before you plant. Consider the mature size of plants and their distance from power lines. 

• Awnings - These work best when the sun is high in the sky. They shade windows well but are not cost effective based solely on energy savings. 

• Window Coverings - These reduce the amount of heat that enters from the sun. They shade windows well, but are not cost effective based solely on energy savings.

Weather Stripping

This is an inexpensive solution to help reduce the amount of air that enters or escapes your home through doors and windows. Types of weather stripping include: 

• V-shaped vinyl 

• Adhesive-backed foam 

• Spring metal 

• Door sweep

Caulking

Caulking is an additional way to reduce unwanted airflow. It is only worthwhile when done as part of another project, such as painting. Use silicone or siliconized acrylic caulk because they have the longest life span, work well on most surfaces, and will maintain their elasticity.

Ceiling Insulation

Ceiling insulation can also largely affect how hard your A/C unit is working.