Things You'll Need:
- Paper and something to write with.
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Step 1
You may have already realized we are in the future and are taking the steps necessary for the change we long needed. Find out here what some things are you can do to your home to conserve and use less electricity; this way you can save your hard earned cash and feel good about helping the planet go green.
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Step 2
Walk through your home and write down notes of things you can replace now and things you can replace later to save. Does your home have double pane windows? Double pane windows are not only stronger then regular windows but they have the unique ability to insulate. If you don't have these kinds of windows, it would be a good idea to make a plan with your budgeting (maybe replace one at a time). If you have all double pane windows in your home then you have one good thing going for you in the battle to lowering your electric bill. The second thing with the windows is to insure they are installed correctly (no leaks)> A good investment for your windows weather you have double or single pane is a good window tint; one in which would block most of the rays that heat your home while still allowing light in. Drapes are always a plus, allowing you to control the amount of light that enters the room can give you an advantage.
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Step 3
Light Bulbs! Something as easy as changing your light bulbs to CFL's (Compact Fluorescent Lamp) will easily lower your bill. Take your time when shopping for these bulbs, they have different designs for your need; follow the directions closely on these CFL's as they can last nine years if used properly, some even have a nine year guarantee. A 13 watt CFL light gives off the same amount of light that a 60 watt bulb gives. Wow think about the possibilities with just the changing of your bulbs.
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Step 4
Attics or crawl spaces will make your home difficult to control its temperature; it can make your central air conditioning system struggle. A good thing to do in the attic is insure that they're isn't any leaks of cool air coming from your air ducts, this will cause you to lose air pressure were its needed and cool the attic off, and we don't want that! After inspecting and doing any repairs to your air ducts if necessary, it will be good to insulate the air ducts with air duct insulation and duct tape. If your attic is not already insulated or poorly done then it would be good to replace all the attic insulation. You can pick how well the insulation works by the (R) number on the insulation; the higher the (R) number, the better the insulating power. Also one of the best things you can do up there is install attic fans. There are a few different types of these fans, most of which installs directly through your roof. You decide how many you want because some is better then none. You may have seen some homes with big bowl looking metal spinners on the top of their roof; this type is the kind that uses the existing wind to make it spin. There is a kind that has a solar panel and turns on electronically when the sun hits it. I recommend you get these fans if you don't have them already.
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Step 5
How is your water heater? Is it out dated? maybe there is a newer up to date model, if there is it may just save you money on your bill. When shopping for a water heater gas or electric check all the tags and look for the amount of energy it consumes; this will help you compare models and get an idea of what you might want to meet the water needs for your home.
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Step 6
Is your central air conditioning unit out dated? You may want to see how far out dated it is. Some newer units can be very friendly toward your electric bill and much safer to run in your home. These central units have a coil inside and out, the only thing that uses up your electricity on the inside unit is the blower fan; in which you may not need to replace the whole inside unit, instead just the blower. The outside unit also known as the compressor, uses way more electricity than the blower inside and when replacing this its best just replace the whole thing entirely. Keep your air conditioning system maintained and clean by changing your air filters often. Every now and then it's good to funnel a cup of bleach down your air conditioners condensation drain to prevent algae build up; if this was to clog it would back up into the unit and cause it to damage or more likely cause a fire.
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Step 7
Also major appliances like your stove, refrigerator, dish washer, clothes washer, and clothes dryer will eat up electricity so if you have something from way back when, it might be time to replace it. The newer technologies we have today are designed better and are more efficient. All these things can be perfect investments in the long run. Plus you can be more at ease knowing your appliances will last longer. Who knows you may even get some warrantees out of them.
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Step 8
Shutting things off while your not home is the one of the best things you can do to keep your costly bill down. When your not home having the air off is just as bad as living it running all day; its best to put it at a warmer temperature without completely shutting it off. The reason for this being, if you were to shut it off then your home would get too hot and your air system will over work its self to cool off the home.
