Tips on Lowering Your Energy Bills
February 9th, 2010
St. James Plantation, NC home builder Mark Johnson Custom Homes knows that energy bills can get pricy in the winter months. These cold-weather tips, courtesy of Progress Energy, are great ways to keep energy costs down:
Keep the thermostat on your heating system at the lowest comfortable setting. Progress Energy recommends a setting of 68 to 70 during the day and 60 to 65 at night.
Check filters at least monthly and clean or change them as needed. Dirty filters can increase operating costs by 20 percent and can damage equipment.
Use insulated or heavy curtains on windows facing the north side of the house. Keep curtains and shades closed at night and on cloudy days.
Caulk any space around windows and other places where air leaks to prevent cold drafts and heat escape.
If your home has a fireplace, be sure the damper fits tightly, and close it when the fireplace is not in use. Add a glass fireplace screen.
Use microwave ovens whenever possible. They use less than half the power of a conventional oven.
Whenever possible, wash full loads in the dishwasher and clothes washing machine, rather than partial loads.
Take short showers instead of tub baths and install a flow restrictor or energy-saving shower head.
Look for EnergyGuide labels on most major home appliances. The more efficient models save you money in the long run.
Courtesy of: Progress Energy
