Energy Efficiency Saves Money

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Energy Efficiency Saves Money
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Save Money On Energy Bills

• Energy efficiency is one part of an overall plan
  if one is looking to save money on energy bills
  in their household and adopt a lifestyle that
  seeks to protect the planet from harmful
  pollutants and greenhouse gases. Most electricity
  that is used in the typical American household is
  generated through fossil fuel combustion. These
  fossil fuels are a non-renewable natural
  resource, meaning that once they are depleted we
  cannot make more, and their emissions have been
  proven to be harmful to the environment and a
  major contributor to global warming.
• Combined with conservation, which entails using
  less power such as electricity and natural gas,
  energy efficiency is a good way to save money and
  act in an environmentally responsible way. Just
  by changing a few simple habits one can save
  money on their monthly bills. Many steps towards
  reducing the typical demand require no tools,
  special skills or out of pocket expense. Over
  time one will increase their homes energy
  efficiency and see their savings multiply.
• Heating and cooling the home is one of the
  greatest power demands and expenses in most
  households. Properly maintaining the heating and
  air conditioning systems is critical to enhancing
  energy efficiency. At least once a month, and
  more often during high usage times, change the
  filters in your furnace. This is a very
  inexpensive way to increase the units ability to
  perform since dirty filters cause the system to
  work harder and run longer than necessary. Dirty
  filters also promote more mold and mildew
  circulating through a home which makes cleaning
  more difficult and time consuming.

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• Adjusting the thermostat during the cold and hot
  months will also help save money and decrease
  power demands. Try keeping the temperature at 78
  degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the
  winter. For every degree cooler or warmer one
  adjusts the temperature, they will increase
  energy efficiency by six to eight percent. It is
  wise to use as little heating and air
  conditioning as one comfortably can.
• Shading outside air conditioning units will also
  improve the units performance. Units that are
  shaded by trees or some other type of natural or
  installed canopy work more effectively and use up
  to ten percent less electricity. Making sure your
  air conditioning condenser is clean extends the
  life of your unit and provides cleaner air in
  your home. The fin coils on the outside unit
  should be kept clean and can be easily maintained
  just by periodically hosing them off. Make sure
  there are no tall weeds, grass or debris around
  the condenser in order to maximize energy
  efficiency. These obstacles block air flow and
  make the condenser work harder and longer.
• If one is in the market to replace their existing
  heating or air conditioning units, they would
  definitely want to check out their options. Newer
  models of air conditioners and heat pumps use up
  to forty percent less power than older models for
  the same amount of running time. These products
  and many more household appliances display
  ratings for power use so that consumers can make
  an informed choice when making major household
  purchases designed to save money and increase
  their homes efficiency.