Be Warm, Not Wasteful: Energy Saving Tips For Winter
More than 90 percent of American homes are expected to see an increase in their winter heating costs because of rising residential energy prices, according to a recent report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Saving money and staying green throughout the winter months is tough because of colder temperatures. The flurry of holiday travel and visiting out-of-town guests doesn’t make it any easier. Take on the challenge and keep energy consumption down with the following tips that help reduce environmental impact and your expenditures.
Make It Automatic
The goal is to build systems into your daily life that make conservation nearly automatic. For starters, make it a habit to always turn off lights when you leave a room or the house for the day. Model this practice for your children and any visiting guests to adopt as well. By establishing clear “house rules” for energy usage, your January energy bill will be less likely to make you faint.
Invest is simple, affordable gadgets to help you automatize your energy usage. Lowe’s home improvement store recommends stringing fewer holiday lights. Also, use a timer to automatically shut lights off overnight and during the daytime. Timers are reasonably priced and available at a range of hardware and department stores for anywhere between $10 – $30.
Quick Fixes
During busy weeks of shopping and holiday errands, empty your car out fully each time you come home. According to Energy.gov’s holiday energy tips, driving with an extra 100 pounds of cargo can increase your gasoline expenditure by almost a dime a gallon. Energy.gov also recommends switching from traditional holiday lights to LED lights, claiming that the latter only costs $0.27 for 12 hours of festive light. Traditional electric lights cost almost $10 for the same amount of burning time.
The Long Haul
Paying attention to costs and conversation during the holidays is a good start, but savvy, eco-conscious homeowners know that good energy saving systems are worthwhile year-round. Once the craziness of the holidays dies down, put long-term strategies into place, such as installing storm windows that can significantly reduce your heating costs.
Visit www.electriccompanies.com to learn more about living in one of the deregulated states that allow homeowners to make informed choices about an energy provider that’s best for your budget and your green lifestyle. Choosing your own provider equates to big savings in the long run. You’ll also trust where your energy is coming from and make smarter choices about how to use it efficiently in your own home.
