There are many good reasons to lower your energy use. Not only can you help save our precious natural resources, you also can save a great deal of money. If you are a propane user, you already use a highly efficient fuel to heat your home and run appliances, but here are some tips that will help you get the most out of your energy dollar.
It's probably not surprising that the largest chunk of our heating dollar goes to pay for cooling a home and heating it up. Your heater works hard to keep the home toasty warm during the cold months, and you can help it along with a few quick fixes. Replace an old thermostat with a programmable model that automatically adjusts based upon your schedule. The Department of Energy suggests that you keep the thermostat at 68 degrees when you are home and about 55 degrees at night or when you are gone. Also be sure that hot air isn't escaping through the doors and windows of your home. Proper insulation also keeps heat in the house.
Along those same lines, your air conditioner will work more efficiently if your windows, doors and ducts are sealed. Energy efficient windows also can lower cooling costs, and even installing good shades can reduce the amount of sunlight in your home, which makes it easier for the air conditioner to do its job. Sometimes there are federal tax credits available for upgrading to a more efficient air conditioner or heater.
The AC and the heater might take a ton of energy to use, but other appliances also take their toll. Newer appliances are more efficient, so when you can afford to upgrade, consider making a switch. Be sure to ask your salesperson if there are state credits or federal credits available for buying updated appliances. Only run your dishwasher when it is completely full and turn off the heated dry selection. Likewise, run only full loads of laundry and wash in cold water. If you can hang your laundry rather than using the dryer, consider doing this as much as possible, too.
Many electronics in our homes are plugged in throughout the day, and this also uses energy. Consider hooking your TV, DVD player and video game systems up to a large surge protector and turn them all off when you aren't using them. Consider doing the same for your computer and printer. Unplug your coffee pot, microwave and toaster when you aren't using them. Of course, it goes without saying that you should also turn off lights when you leave home, but you also can upgrade to energy efficient light bulbs and replace exterior lights with solar lights.
If you are an Ohio propane customer, a Delaware propane customer or perhaps a Pennsylvania propane customer, it is wise to buy your propane when the cost goes down, which usually happens in July and August. It's quite expensive to purchase during the winter months, and Thrifty Propane offers pre-buy specials for customers who wish to stock up when the costs are low. This definitely can add up to big savings on your yearly energy costs.
It's probably not surprising that the largest chunk of our heating dollar goes to pay for cooling a home and heating it up. Your heater works hard to keep the home toasty warm during the cold months, and you can help it along with a few quick fixes. Replace an old thermostat with a programmable model that automatically adjusts based upon your schedule. The Department of Energy suggests that you keep the thermostat at 68 degrees when you are home and about 55 degrees at night or when you are gone. Also be sure that hot air isn't escaping through the doors and windows of your home. Proper insulation also keeps heat in the house.
Along those same lines, your air conditioner will work more efficiently if your windows, doors and ducts are sealed. Energy efficient windows also can lower cooling costs, and even installing good shades can reduce the amount of sunlight in your home, which makes it easier for the air conditioner to do its job. Sometimes there are federal tax credits available for upgrading to a more efficient air conditioner or heater.
The AC and the heater might take a ton of energy to use, but other appliances also take their toll. Newer appliances are more efficient, so when you can afford to upgrade, consider making a switch. Be sure to ask your salesperson if there are state credits or federal credits available for buying updated appliances. Only run your dishwasher when it is completely full and turn off the heated dry selection. Likewise, run only full loads of laundry and wash in cold water. If you can hang your laundry rather than using the dryer, consider doing this as much as possible, too.
Many electronics in our homes are plugged in throughout the day, and this also uses energy. Consider hooking your TV, DVD player and video game systems up to a large surge protector and turn them all off when you aren't using them. Consider doing the same for your computer and printer. Unplug your coffee pot, microwave and toaster when you aren't using them. Of course, it goes without saying that you should also turn off lights when you leave home, but you also can upgrade to energy efficient light bulbs and replace exterior lights with solar lights.
If you are an Ohio propane customer, a Delaware propane customer or perhaps a Pennsylvania propane customer, it is wise to buy your propane when the cost goes down, which usually happens in July and August. It's quite expensive to purchase during the winter months, and Thrifty Propane offers pre-buy specials for customers who wish to stock up when the costs are low. This definitely can add up to big savings on your yearly energy costs.
About the Author:
Cath Buhr loves blogging reviews on propane retailers. For additional information about Dayton propane retailers or to find local Pittsburgh propane prices, please go to the Thrifty Propane site today.
