Simple Home Improvements To Reduce Your Energy Bill

(HIT) - As temperatures rise and home cooling expenses mount, many consumers will turn to energy efficient solutions to fight the rising costs of their energy bill. Historically, the summer demand for fuels has lead to an increase in prices causing consumers to look for new, creative ways to save money. One of the most obvious ways to make any home more energy-efficient is to use less electricity. While turning down the thermostat or turning off unused lights and using natural sunlight is one option, there are still many more alternatives to lower the electric bill.

• Don’t just turn off your lights. Replace those old incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). With the average home having more than 30 light fixtures, lighting accounts for nearly 20 percent of electricity costs. New compact fluorescent bulbs use at least two-thirds less energy and preserve a cooler environment by generating 70 percent less heat than incandescent bulbs while producing the same light effects. The simple solution of replacing ten light bulbs in the home with CFLs can help lower monthly energy costs by more than $100 a year. Plus, the CFLs last up to 10,000 hours. For more information, visit http://www.tcpi.com/.
• Aside from your community pool, your home’s air conditioning unit provides the most relief for beating the summer heat. The key to an efficient air conditioning system is attention. A well-maintained air conditioner will run more efficiently and use less energy. Make sure to clean or replace filters and remove built up dirt on outdoor or indoor coils. For more information, visit http://www.carrier.com/.
• While your air conditioner is running and cooling the house, it is also using a lot of energy. To spare your cooling system from over work close blinds or shades during the daytime to keep unwanted heat out. In addition, you can reduce 10 percent of your cooling costs by installing a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature of your home during unoccupied hours. For more information, visit http://www.lutron.com.
• Reduce air leaks by caulking and weather stripping all openings to the outside. You can reduce 10 percent or more on energy bills by sealing gaps or cracks around windows and doors. For more information, visit http://www.polyseamseal.com/.

In addition, look for the ENERGY STAR label. Air conditioners, major appliances, lighting and electronics with the Energy Star label will help cut utility bills by up to 30 percent. While increasing energy prices may be inevitable, following just some of these tips can make your home more comfortable and easier to cool – saving you money!

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center