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Utility costs are getting higher everyday. By changing your usage habits, you can lower your bills and conserve energy at the same time. The first step to conserving energy is to make sure you have proper installation and weather-stripping, and make sure your heating and cooling equipment is in good working order.
Starting in the winter, lower your thermostat between 8 and 10 degrees at night. This can save you 8% to 15% off your bill. If you are going away for more than 1 night lower the thermostat to 55 degrees.
A standard fireplace WILL NOT heat your home efficiently. In fact, an open fireplace will draw more heat from the home than it will produce. Your best bet with a fireplace is to have tightly sealed glass screens installed. Using your range hood or bathroom fan can deplete the heat in your home as well. Use these items sparingly in the winter.
In the summertime, an attic fan and proper attic insullation can dramatically lessen the burden on your central air unit, and it uses about 1/10th the electricity. Keep your thermostat set at 78 degrees during the summer. Lowering it even one degree to 77 can raise your bill by 8%. Lowering it to 72 degrees costs 60% more. If the outside temperature goes up, don't lower your air, raise it! As long as your thermostat is set at 15 degrees less than the outside temperature, you will comfortable.
The final hint is simple but really helps. Avoid using your oven or dishwasher during the hot hours of the day. They can really raise the temperature in your house.
Using these methods, you can lower your bills, conserve energy and help save the planet!!
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