Clean Up Earth

The Electric bill can get pretty expensive in the southern part of the US during the summer.  The A/C units are cranked on almost full time which sucks up electricity, and mony out of your wallet.  There are also unneeded electronics that draw power full time, even when powered off.  Here are a few suggestions on reducing your electric bill.

1.  Programable Thermostat – This is a must.  It’s important to turn down your A/C or heater when you head to work each day.  Although, if you’re like me, you forget to do this often.  Programable thermostats offer a relatively inexpensive solution to this problem.  Most people have a schedule to maintain, so program the thermostat to turn down or turn off the A/C or heat during times that you don’t expect to be in the house.

2.  Timers - Another drain to your pocket book and the environment, is unused electronics.  In my case, I have a VCR, DVD, Radio Receiver, Wii, and Computer all plugged in to electrical outlets in my living room.  Even if these are powered off, some of them still draw power due to clocks or other features like charger for Wii remotes.  I found that a simple timer can eliminate the wasted energy that’s being consumed while I sleep and over the course of a year, it can also save some extra cash.

3.  Windows – I know your probably thinking I’m taking about replacing windows, and while you’re right.  That can save you money and conserve energy, many people can’t afford new windows especially during this recession.  So, open your curtains to bring in light instead of wasting electricity by turing on lights.  Also, if it’s a nice day outside, open the windows and resist the urge to turn on the A/C.

4.  Light Bulbs – Converting from incandescent light bulbs to flourescent light bulbs can definitely reduce your energy consumption.  It might not be as cost efective at first since a flourescent light bulb costs on average of 3 to 4 dollars more than incandescents.  However, in the long run, you’ll save money and electricity since fourescent light bulbs usually last longer and require about a quarter of the energy to operate.

5.  Insulation – If you are able to climb up into your attic, a good solution for conserving energy and saving money on your electric bill is to add insulation.  This might not be the easiest thing to do, and might be worth hiring a professional, but much of the energy loss in a house is due to poor insulation.

6.  Attic Fan – If you live in a Southern state, it’s very important that you have an attic fan (preferably solar powered).  This is very important in the summer since it helps to remove the heat trapped in your attic which of course keeps your house cooler.