subject: How To Lower Your Pacific Gas And Electric Energy Bill [print this page] Gas and electric bills are stressful and burdensome for many Californians. It seems as though the electric and natural gas rates of large utility companies, such as Pacific Gas and Electric, continue to increase year after year. As a result, many California home- and business-owners are looking for ways to conserve energy and lower their PG&E bills for good. Continue reading to learn five simple yet effective ways to lower your Pacific Gas and Electric energy bill.
1. Lower/Raise the Temperature
Heating and cooling accounts for the vast majority of your Pacific Gas and Electric energy bill. To significantly reduce your energy expenses, lower the thermostat to a cooler temperature in the winter, and raise it to a warmer temperature in the summer. Lowering or raising your thermostat just three degrees could reduce your energy bill as much as 10% per month.
2. Wash Clothes in Cold Water
Washing clothes in hot or even warm water costs significantly more than washing in cold. Families of four can save more than $125 on energy costs by simply washing clothes in cold water. And believe it or not, cold water can and will remove stains and thoroughly clean clothes, sheets, and towels.
3. Use Compact Florescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)
Did you know that lighting accounts for roughly 10% of the typical California electric bill? If you're still using energy-zapping incandescent light bulbs, it's time to make the switch to the more energy-efficient and longer-lasting CFL bulbs. CFLs use roughly 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer!
4. Get a Home Energy Audit
The three energy-saving methods mentioned above are all DIY (Do It Yourself) tasks that virtually anyone can do. And while these small changes may result in a lower energy bill, some homes need a bit more tending to.
If your California home fits into this category, have a certified professional perform a home energy audit. He or she will take a couple hours to carefully inspect your home for signs of energy inefficiency. For example, he or she may check to see if your home is properly insulated and if your air ducts are fully connected. They may also point out signs of air leakage along windows and doors, and inspect your hot water heater. Following inspection, the home energy auditor will recommend ways to reduce energy loss in your home and lower your Pacific Gas and Electric energy bill.
5. Transfer to a More Affordable CA Gas and Electric Provider
Pacific Gas and Electric serves 15 million customers throughout central and northern California; however, many customers are frustrated with the large utility's expensive gas and electric rates. If you're a current PG&E customer struggling to pay your monthly gas and electric bills, or you're simply tired of overpaying for energy expenses, transfer to a more affordable CA gas and electric provider today.
Switching service is fast, easy, and free. After making the switch, you'll continue to receive the same dependable gas and electric service and support you always have, only now it'll come at a cheaper rate.
