CUT ENERGY BILLS - By Adding, Cleaning And Changing

(11/03/2005)

Submitted by Diana Shook Calhoun County Secretary WVU Extension Service Chilly mornings, signaling winter's approach, send a gentle reminder that winter's cold and higher energy bills will arrive soon. Although you can't do anything about the weather, you can do something to reduce the amount your home energy bills are destined to increase this winter. Americans have been hit hard by the rising cost of home energy bills, which are averaging more than $1,600 annually. The Alliance to Save Energy projects home energy costs will increase by nearly nine percent by 2010. With a larger portion of their monthly income set aside to pay energy bills, many Americans have less money for other necessary expenses. Despite these challenges, you have options for reducing your home energy bills. Some are as simple—and inexpensive—as changing how you do certain household tasks. Working to help Americans save energy and save money, the Alliance to Save Energy and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggest these steps: Clean or replace air-conditioning and heating filters monthly; Check your furnace or heat pump to make sure it's running properly; Wash clothes in cold water, you could save $63 a year; Do full loads of laundry; Air dry dishes; Install proper insulation in attic, ceilings, floors and crawlspaces; Clean your dryer's lint filter to quicken drying of clothes; Install low-flow shower heads; Fix leaky faucets; Turn off and unplug all appliances that are not in use; Install a programmable thermostat; Program heat down from 72 degrees to 65 degrees for eight hours a day. This will reduce your heating bill up to 10 percent. Discover more energy-saving tips and details about energy conservation on the US DOE web site   www.eere.energy.gov

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