Sunday, November 13, 2011

"Found Money." Save on your energy bill !

Earlier this year I revolted against my power bill. It turns out our consumption for gas and electric was running about $250/month.   That's just TOO DARN MUCH for two people.


I placed a call to Puget Sound Energy  who, it turns out, has a free program to help folks like us. They sent out an independent contractor who found a number of glaring energy wasters, provided tips on how to eliminate them, and  GAVE us  two dozen energy-efficient bulbs .  (Like I always say,  free = good.)  I am not a huge fan of the energy-saving bulbs but I am getting used to them.  (Did I say" free" yet???)  I had no idea we were such energy hogs!

Your power company probably has a similar program to this one.      Here are some of the things we learned and implemented:

* Our heater unit was running almost all the time, circulating air (not heat) through the house.  The serviceman re-set the timer so that this feature came on for 5 minutes, twice a day.  I had no idea!

* Grandma is always hot.  Grandpa is always cold.  (GEE, that's unusual!) There was always a window open somewhere (freezing Grandpa out in many cases...)  The serviceman suggested keeping the windows closed and placing a small fan (aimed at me) in each area where I work/sit/sleep.  The energy that went out of those open windows was FAR FAR more than what is used by my little fans -- and as a bonus, Grandpa doesn't get frozen out of his home anymore!  Win-Win.


*  We turned off the pilot light in the gas fireplace this summer.  Haven't turned it back on yet, because with the windows closed, it stays pretty warm in the house without a fire. 

*  I use my gas barbecue and smoker unit year-round.  I have a lovely gas range but the barbecue is more efficient, and a healthier way to cook.

*  Doggie doors are one of the biggest energy waters on the planet.  We got rid of our door and the effect was immediate!  Stand up and let the dog out - better yet take him/her for a walk - the exercise can't hurt, either.

* We have two desktop computers that were left on all the time.  Now they are off, as we use the laptops .  That was a surprising revelation.

*  Go HERE for more tips to save on your home energy bills. 

In all honesty, there were a few things they advised that did not work for me - like rinsing my dishes and sinks in cold water.  Sorry - I'll pay a few dollars more to feel clean..... YUK

Oh....the end result was around $80/month saved.   That's a LOT of  "fun coupons!"

No comments:

Post a Comment