Heating and cooling bills are two major expenses during the summer and winter months that can put a dent in your budget. According to the US Department of Energy, the typical American household spends $2,200 a year in electric and gas bills. That’s a big percentage of your annual income considering the energy expenditures are only a very small part of your total expenses.
The EEI ( Edison Electric Institute) recommends many heating and cooling tips for you that will help you save energy and money. Here are some of them for you:
Heating and Cooling
- Setting your thermostat one degree higher in the summer and one degree lower in the winter can lower the cost of your electric bill by 2%
- If you need to replace your air conditioning unit or your furnace choose one that is an ENERGY STAR unit. These units are more efficient than other units by 5-10%
- Sealing and weatherstripping your doors and windows can reduce the cool air leaving the home. It can also save you more than 10% of the total usage for the year.
- If using a window unit to cool your house, place it on a window that is not directly under the sun, otherwise your unit will be working more to cool your home.
- Closing vents and rooms that are unused can lower your air conditioning bill and keep other parts of your home cooler. During the winter months, the house will seem warmer if unused bedrooms and the basement door are kept closed, and the furnace filter is changed regularly to allow the warm air to circulate better.
- Opening windows and doors to cool your home during comfortable days not only helps refresh your home, it can save you money too.
- Make sure all bushes and trees are away from the unit outside the home to keep it working efficiently.
The amount of energy many households use yearly can be considerable. The amount of energy we use and the cost we pay go hand in hand. The more energy wasted, the more money will be needed to pay for it. But, if the financial repercussions do not bother you, saving energy helps save the planet.
If you want to find more ways to save energy go to the EEI website to learn more.
