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May 25, 2005
Keep energy bills on the low end for summerPVT But with the change in temperatures comes a change in energy bills - and not for the better. According to the Energy Department's Energy Information Administration, the average retail price of electricity in residential homes in 2004 was 8.4 cents per kilowatt-hour, up from 8.7 in 2003. And this increase is a trend that is likely to continue in the coming years. On top of increasing energy costs, gasoline prices are already high and the EIA expects them to remain high during the summer months. So, how are consumers supposed to deal with these skyrocketing costs? "First and foremost, don't panic," said Mike Sullivan, director of education for Take Charge America. "This is the perfect time for families to work together to prepare for the summer months. A few moments of contemplation and planning can net you literally hundreds of dollars of savings - money you can then put to good use to make the summer more fun and enjoyable." Take Charge America is a non-profit, charitable organization based in Phoenix that helps consumers gain control of their finances through a variety of services including education, budget and financial counseling and even debt management. According to Sullivan, there are several ways to prepare for the summer months that will reduce energy usage and still ensure a cool and relaxing summer. Here are some tips: Household preparation • Review monthly electric bills. Some electric companies offer special rate plans for usage during off-peak hours in the summer. Check to see which plans are available in your area and are best suited for your situation. • Don't install window air conditioning units until absolutely necessary. Try using a ceiling fan instead to circulate cooler air. • Check your insulation. Poorly insulated patio doors may increase your electric bill more than expected. Check to see that your doors are properly insulated, especially older sliding doors. • Make sure all windows and doors are closed when the air conditioning is running. • Increase efficiency. Shading your home or installing reflective material to windows can reduce energy use greatly. Use heavier curtains or blinds to shade east and west facing windows. Exterior awnings can also be effective. Homeowners should consider planting trees next to their homes for natural shade. • Reduce your hot water temperature by adjusting the thermostat and/or installing a water heater timer switch. The timers are relatively inexpensive and can be found local hardware stores. Most can be controlled with an external switch that allows you to easily override the timer. • Consider solar. Preheating water with solar energy can reduce your overall energy expense. • Replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescent lights. Incandescent lamps use more energy and generate more heat than fluorescent lights and should be used only when necessary. Landscaping, outdoor areas • Conserve water. In the summer months, many people use water sprinklers and hoses to water their lawns without considering ways to save water or energy. Use drip irrigation where possible. When using a sprinklers system, install a timer and adjust regularly to ensure the least possible amounts of water are being used. • Place thin pool covers over indoor and outdoor pools to reduce evaporation and conserve water. Unlike thicker mesh safety covers used during the off-season, these covers can be easily pulled on and off. Many people use transparent bubble covers or solar covers because they are convenient and manageable. Transportation and gasoline mileage • Check the air filters in your car and replace if necessary. Cars will run more efficiently if the filters are clean. • Inflate regularly. Car tires should be kept properly inflated to ensure safety and longevity. Under-inflated tires will increase your car's fuel consumption - costing you more money. Taking five minutes to check the air pressure in your tires will not only save you money but may save lives as well. • Avoid carrying items on the roof of the car during summer road trips. Travel light and avoid lugging unnecessary items that may negatively impact your car's fuel economy. Purchasing appliances • Check out the Energy Guide. Research all appliances before you buy and look at its Energy Guide label before making a purchase. The label contains information on the product's estimated energy use in kwh/year compared to similar models, as well as the product's estimated yearly operating cost in dollars (based on the national average cost of electricity). |
