Tuesday 12 April 2016

Spring Into Savings, Part 2



In continuing our coverage of springtime savings, we have some more tips that will help you save money as we head toward summer and the high temperatures that come with it. Many of our tips won’t cost you anything except a little bit of time, but even the ones that require an investment can save you a lot of money in the long run.

            Maintenance
            Keeping your air conditioning system in peak condition will improve its lifespan and save your energy. Have a certified AC technician perform regular maintenance on your system now before the high temps really start rolling in. Service calls generally cost more as you get into the summer, as more people are desperate to get the air conditioner fixed and feel comfortable again. Regular maintenance like adding freon or changing filters will keep your AC at peak efficiency, so you’ll be more comfortable all summer long.

            Appliance and Lighting Use
            About 85% to 90% of the energy consumed by incandescent lights is radiated as heat, and a lot of lights on in the house means more heat. Some older televisions and any cooking appliances like stoves and ovens also radiate a lot of heat while in use, so limiting how much you cook or watch TV can keep your home cooler. If possible, cook outdoors on warmer days to prevent heat buildup inside. Shut off lights that aren’t in use, and switch to more energy efficient bulbs like CFLs and LEDs to not only reduce direct energy costs, but also to reduce how much heat they radiate.

            Air Leaks
            Weatherstripping your home closes up gaps that would lead outdoors, such as gaps under doorways or cracks in window sills. With all of the hidden spots you could be losing air through, it can add up to leaving one large window open all the time, and that’s not good for keeping energy use down with the AC on. Make sure to also close the dampers on fireplaces, as these can lose as much air as a partially open window on their own.

            Switching Energy Providers
            Another way to save money on electricity is to switch your energy provider to one who offers the cheapest electricity in Texas. Searching through our website lets you many providers in your area, seeing each plan rate for rate. You can compare how much each plan costs, search for specific length contracts, and find out how much you’ll save over your current plan.

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