GREAT TIME FOR LOWERING YOUR ELECTRIC BILL
The change of seasons provides us with a great opportunity to find ways to reduce our energy costs as well as use energy more efficiently
. The fall is especially a good time to do this as a lot of us tend to start working around our house doing those odds and ends we have avoided all summer! Let's go over the primary ways to save money by lowering our energy costs while also making our homes operate more efficiently. When winter comes, you'll be happy you did!
First, as most of us are aware of by now, electric deregulation provides Connecticut residents and businesses with a competitive environment for us to buy our electricity. We can now choose from over ten different electric suppliers to generate our electricity while CL&P or UI continues to deliver it and send one bill reflecting your new supplier. This is basically a risk-free way to save up to 15% on your electric bill since there is no interruption in service, no fees to switch or cancel, no contracts, etc.
Also, the best times to get reduced rates on electricity are the Spring and Fall, so start doing your homework. In fact, one great website to use is
www.CTenergysavings.com, Connecticut's #1 resource to compare and switch electric suppliers. You can use it to easily compare electric plans from various Connecticut suppliers and enroll with a new electric supplier all in one place. It only takes a few minutes if you have a copy of your electric bill.
When switching electric plans, you may also have the option of buying "renewable energy." This means that a percentage of your electricity will be generated from renewable energy sources. So if being green is important to you, this is a win-win since you can lower your electric bill while also going green!
Next, let's look at five of the major energy consumers in our home and ways to make your home more efficient!
HVAC This equals up to 50% of your home's energy usage. Tune up your heating, ventilating and air conditioning system through your annual maintenance contract. Also, it is recommended that you change or clean your reusable HVAC filters every month as a dirty filter forces your equipment to work harder.
Doors and Windows A primary way for energy to escape is through leaky doors and windows. Install weather stripping and seals to minimize gaps and reduces heat loss, helping you keep heating costs down and save energy.
Water Heating Up to 20% of your annual energy usage goes to heating water for cooking, bathing, laundry and dishwashing. Approximately 90% of the energy used to wash clothes goes to heating water so save money by using your cold water setting whenever possible. Set your water heater thermostat at 120 degrees, anything higher is just using extra energy. Also, check the insulation for your pipes and water heater to help prevent energy loss.
Lighting - Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFL's) which cost about 75% less to operate and last about 10 times longer. Also, turn off lights and other equipment when not using a room.
Appliances Your refrigerator, dishwasher and oven are the primary users of energy in your kitchen. Make sure your refrigerator seals completely and that you clean the coils several times a year. For dishwashers, use any "energy saving" options that you have to save about 20% of the energy normally used and run the dishwasher during the early morning or late evening. Next, when using the oven, remember not to preheat longer than absolutely necessary and keep the door closed at all times while cooking to not let out any heat that will need to be regenerated.
Also, if you need to replace any appliances, be sure they are ENERGY STAR products which are proven to significantly reduce the energy used over other conventional models.
GREAT TIME FOR LOWERING YOUR ELECTRIC BILL
By: Michelle Erca
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