Image Credit:
During today’s tough economic times, it is more important than ever to save money. The cost of everything seems to be on the rise, including electricity. Luckily, there are some simple changes that you can make inside of your home. Here are a few tips to slash your electrical bill and conserve energy.
CFL Bulbs
Incandescent bulbs are a thing of the past in regards to efficiency. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are far more economical. Although they may have a higher initial cost, they will eventually pay for themselves in savings. Specifically look for bulbs with the Energy Star label. Simply take the old incandescent bulbs out and toss them. It is the first step towards decreasing your utility bill.
Motion Sensors
Leaving the lights on is tremendously inefficient. Motion sensors make sure that you never accidentally leave the lights on when a room is unoccupied. They are very effective for both the exterior and interior of a home. Motion sensors can also be used to simultaneously control bathroom fans and lights. Families with young children will especially benefit from automatic lights with motion sensors. Talk to your electricity provider, like Center Point Electricity, to find out more about automatic lights. The savings could exceed $100 annually.
Filter Change
Routinely changing the filter on a furnace is of the vital to conserving electricity. A clogged filter causes the furnace to work much harder than it should. The filter should be checked every so often according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Not only does changing the filter promote efficiency, it also increases the longevity of the furnace. Filters are relatively inexpensive compared to installing an entire new furnace. Savings average about $5 per month.
Unplug Appliances
Many people consistently leave energy-consuming appliances plugged in all day. This leads to substantially higher power bills. Even if the appliance is turned off, it still consumes some electricity while plugged into the outlet. Luckily, most appliances can be turned off without losing data. Televisions, computers, and video game systems all have memory chips that store information. Simply plugging them into a power strip will enable you to cut the power from multiple appliances at one time.
Remove Lint
The clothes dryer is an often neglected appliance in the household. It is important to remember to periodically clean the lint screen on a dryer. Prevent the ducts in the dryer from clogging by cleaning them annually. Also remember to stop the dryer as soon as the clothes are dry.
About Author: This article was written by Dixie Somers on behalf of texaselectricityproviders.com.
