8 Simple Steps to Reducing Heat & Electricity Bills

Saving money through conserving electricity and heat use has never been easier, and why not help the environment while you are at it? No drastic lifestyle changes are required nor necessary, just follow these eight simple steps and accomplish both saving money and the environment simultaneously.

1. Invest in energy efficient fluorescent bulbs. They cost more, however they use only ¼ of the energy used by ordinary bulbs and last 8-12 times longer – therefore saving you money in the long run.

2. Insulating your walls and ceilings can help save up to 20-30-percent of home heating bills.

3. Only run the dishwasher and laundry washer with a full load. Whenever possible, allow clothes and dishes to air dry – heat uses up 20-percent of dishwasher and washer use.

4. Avoid over-heating and over-cooling rooms. In the daytime during winter, set your thermostat to 20°C and in the nighttime to 13°C. Keep it at 25°C during the summer. Make sure to plug air leaks in doors and windows to avoid letting warm/cold air escape.

5. Clean or replace air filters as often as recommended. You can save 5-percent of energy use by cleaning a dirty air conditioner filter.

6. An average refrigerator accounts for about 20-percent of household electricity use. Use a thermometer to set your fridge to 3°C and freezer to -16°C. Ensure that the refrigerator doors are tightly sealed in order to contain the cold air.

7. Turn off lights and appliances when you are done using them, and avoid leaving electronics on standby mode. If you are leaving the room, shut off the lights. If you are done watching T.V., turn it off. Shutting off a computer rather than leaving it on standby mode saves electricity.

8. Avoid leaving electronics charging unnecessarily. Continuing to charge a phone or laptop uses up electricity even once it is fully charged.

As a smart consumer, you have to invest in the right products. When purchasing appliances, look for the Energy Star Label. They may cost more, but they will help you save more money down the road.

Written By: Sevinj Najafova, you may contact Sevinj at snajafova@terrequity.com.