10 Easy ways to conserve energy and notice a difference

1. Switch off lights when you leave the room. Be diligent about turning off lights and teach your children to do the same.

2. Use energy saving light bulbs, known as compact fluorescent light bulbs. Compact fluorescents use four times less energy, and last eight times longer. These can be costly if you replace all the light bulbs in your home at once, but replacing the bulbs gradually over time will be affordable.

3. Switch off computers when not in use. Purchase a laptop instead of a desktop, if practical, because they consume five times less energy.

4. Switch off televisions and don’t leave them on standby. These are known as “the vicious energy suckers”. Teach your children to turn them off when not in use.

5. Use Energy efficient appliances (dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, and refrigerator). Look for the efficiency rating label known as the Energy Star label. Buy the most energy-efficient model you can afford. These new appliances will provide savings on your next electricity bill.

6. For cool energy savings tip, set the thermostat at 78 degrees or higher when the house is occupied and at 85 degrees when vacant (save 1-2 percent per degree raised on cooling costs).

7. Lowering the temperature on your water heater, even a few degrees can add up to savings on your utility bill. Not to mention if you have children, this will prevent scalding.

8. Use the microwave when possible, instead of the oven. The oven uses more power to warm up and cool down therefore using more energy to operate.

9. Add additional layers of installation to your windows and doors. Caulk around these frames to prevent the air from seeping inside to outside and vice versa, which will prevent the a/c and heater from overworking, and using more energy.

10. For heating energy savings tip, put on layer of clothes instead of turning up the thermostat. Keep it at 72 degrees or lower.

Along with these energy saving tips, signing up with a low electricity rate can lower your utility bill.

Check Rates in your area now.