Common Eco Sense

These energy saving tips will not only save you money on your electric bill they also are easy to implement and cost you nothing or very little. These may seem like common sense energy saving tips. If you take a hard look around your home and do a quick assessment you will probably find there are a few of these cost saving items you can do yourself to improve your energy costs.

Use Your Windows to Keep Out Heat and Gain Cool Air

• On cool nights open your windows and turn off your air conditioning while you sleep. When you wake in the morning close your windows and your window treatments to retain this cool air.
• Installing window treatments blocks the sun from heating up your rooms. In our house this is a huge help in the kitchen where we have a southern facing sliding glass door. closing the drapes lowers the kitchen temperature by 10 degrees.

Use your thermostat wisely

• Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.
• Turn your thermostat higher when you are not home. When you are home set your temperature to 78 degrees. Another great option is a programmable thermostat.
• Do not set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense. Read the rest of this entry →

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