Saving money is on everyone’s minds these days. From skyrocketing fuel costs to a higher cost of living, people are doing everything they can to reduce money being spent. In an effort to help our customers save money, BTES would like to offer some simple tips to help you save energy and possibly lower your electric bill this winter.
- Caulk and weatherstrip around windows and doors to stop air leaks
- Seal gaps in floors and walls around pipes and electrical wiring
- Inspect your ductwork and repair any leaks.
- Add insulation to your attic, crawl space and any accessible exterior walls
- Close fireplace damper when not in use
- Keep all windows and doors located near your thermostat closed tightly
- Keep curtains open on the south side of the house and closed on the north side during the day to help keep warm
- Use area rugs if you have hardwood or tile floors to keep your feet warm
- Keep your outside air unit clean and clear of debris or weeds
- Change air filters monthly
- Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents – they use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer
- Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when replacing large or small appliances
- Use power strips for home electronics and turn off power strips when equipment is not in use
- Turn off lights, televisions and other appliances when not in use
- Replace worn-out seals on your refrigerator and freezer
- Clean refrigerator coils regularly to keep compressor running efficiently
- Set the refrigerator temperature at 36° to 39° F and freezer at 0° to 5° F
- Match the size of your pot or pan to the size of the burner
- Air-dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s heat drying option
- Run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when full
- Reduce hot water use by taking shorter showers and using cold water for the rinse cycle in your washer
- Dry one load of clothes immediately after another to minimize heat loss
- Make sure your dryer’s outside vent is clear and clean the lint filter after every load
