Steps to lower energy bill not always costly

November 4, 2007

I’m on a fixed income and want to know what I can do to reduce my home energy bills without spending a large amount of money?

There are many things that can be done around the house that will reduce your energy bills without spending a lot of money. These tips can be particularly helpful to those on a limited income and folks who rent their homes, where it’s not possible or practical to make major investments in the property.

The largest energy users in most homes are the heating and cooling system, the water heater and the refrigerator. Spending a little time in these areas can pay big dividends.

Heating system
Now that cooler weather has arrived, let’s start with the heating system. Typically heating and cooling makes up about 45 percent of the home’s total energy costs. We recommend a thermostat setting of 68 degrees, or as low as you are comfortable. Wearing a sweater or other warmer clothes can help as well. Every degree lowered will reduce your heating costs by up to two percent. Note we said heating costs, not your total energy costs.

If you have a heat pump or furnace, we suggest turning your heat down by eight to 10 degrees at night and during the day if you’ll be away from home for several hours. If you have a heat pump, we strongly suggest use of a programmable thermostat with intelligent recovery if you plan to set back the temperature settings. This will allow you to get the most comfort and energy savings from your heat pump.

If you have any type of zonal heating system – wall or baseboard heaters or ceiling cable heat – we recommend that you only reduce the setting by two to four degrees at night or when you are away. Due to the nature of these heating systems, a larger set back will actually result in higher energy use.

And sleeping in a cooler room actually helps promote better sleep, according to research from Stanford University, so not only will you save money, you will also benefit from a better night’s sleep.

Also, be certain that your furnace filters are clean and all ducts are clear of obstructions.

Water heater
The second largest energy consumer in most homes is the water heater, costing on average around $35 a month to operate. The settings for your water heater thermostats should be around 120-130 degrees.  For every degree of reduction, the savings can be approximately one to two percent in water heating costs.

You can reduce the amount of hot water you use in several ways that won’t have a huge impact on your lifestyle, but will save you money. Here are a few:

•  Wash only full loads in your clothes washer and dishwasher.

•  Try cold water washing with cold water detergent.

•  Use the air-dry setting and other power-saving features on your dishwasher.

• Take a shower instead of a bath, and keep it as short as possible.

Refrigerator
In the kitchen, try setting the refrigerator thermostat to 35 degrees but no warmer than 40 degrees. The freezer should be set at zero degrees. If you are unsure of the temperature, pick up a refrigerator/freezer thermometer. They’re inexpensive and available wherever kitchen gadgets are sold.

Also, keep the refrigerator and freezer as full as possible. This allows the unit to operate at maximum efficiency. Just be sure there is enough space so the air can circulate around the food. 

Small adjustments can have an impact on your energy bills. If you do some of these things every day, they will soon become second nature. And remember, not only will these tips help your pocketbook but you’ll also be saving energy. And that’s a good thing for our environment.