Saving on Utility Bills

By: Albert Sharp
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:22:33
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It’s getting cold outside again and the last thing you want to worry about is unreasonably expensive utility bills. So here are a few proven energy consumption-lowering solutions for you to consider implementing that you can do yourself for unbelievable results.

To keep gas consumption in check there is six things that you can do that I will discuss here that will lower the bills and keep you happy. But lets concentrate on the electric use first. Turn off lights that are not in use. If you can’t remember to do that you can go to your local hardware store and purchase motion sensitive light switches, which will automatically turn off lights if they don’t sense any motion in a room in a given amount of time. You can also switch all of your light bulbs to Halogen bulbs 75watt bulbs only use 15watts of power saving you 80% for the same light quality. The prices of these bulbs have come down quite a bit, and you can experience good savings. If you own or run a multi-unit apartment building or such with common areas that must be well lit at all times it’s the only way to go. Opening shades and blinds during the daylight hours is also a simple way to add natural light to your home and it does not cost you anything. Natural gas savings is a whole different animal. To lower that bill is going to take a little real work on your part but trust me you can do it. So let’s get started. The first thing that you’ll want to do is eliminate any and all cold drafts coming in through your windows and doors. This can be done fairly easily on a budget by going to your local hardware store and purchasing Window and door insulating kits. The door kits are made of a felt like material and are easy to install. Window kits have thin sheets of plastic and two-sided tape. They are also easy to install but you’ll need a hair dryer to heat and seal the plastic. Vinyl window installation is a much better fix for drafty windows and adds value to your home. They look difficult to install but all you really need is a hammer, screwdriver, and a drill with screw bits. You can install one in 45 minutes to an hour. Once installed you’ll never have to worry about drafty windows again. Most cities have a window and door warehouse in the area and you only need good measurements to get a perfect fit. Insulation is also a good solution for lowering heating bills. Insulation provides a blanket for your home and keeps the heat from leaving the house quickly. Many home Improvement stores will rent blowers for the blow-in type of insulation and buying the bags of blow-in insulation is relatively cheep an has as good an insulating rating as anything else out there. Use your Fireplace if you have one to heat your living room and add ambiance to your living space. You should have chimneys checked and cleaned by professionals at least yearly before use. Now that you’re warm and cozy and feeling no drafts with the thermostat turned down. Light up that fireplace and cuddle with that significant other so you both can feel warm inside and out.

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