Summer is here, and with its soaring temperatures, it is expected to be one of the hottest seasons ever. Has the heat made you turn on your cooling unit? You are not the only one, but as you turn that knob lower, your electricity bills are also going to rise. Not only because you are using more energy, but also because the regulations on producing electricity from coal have been tightened. Should you be worried? Yes. Coal is responsible for 40% electricity and you can expect a rise of about 4% in prices. Since 2008, this is going to be the highest increase.
Do you remember the electric bills which you paid last year? On an average, it must have been around $395, but this summer the rates are going to soar. Want to bring them down? Here is what you can do.
Manage the amounts you consume
The smallest of changes has a really prominent effect on your bill. Set your thermostat at a higher temperature, draw your curtains, keep your windows and doors closed. Do you use a programmable thermostat? Try it out and you will notice a difference in your bills. Or you could upgrade to Nest if you want. According to the manufacturer, you can reduce your bills by about 20% if you use this device.
Switch to energy smart appliances
Do you use energy efficient devices? Consider buying these if you have the budget. They may be expensive, but they actually help you save money in the long run. And by the way, you may also be eligible for some tax deductions and credits if you invest in these; more savings for you to enjoy. An energy efficient model uses less power and directly reduces the amounts you consume.
Clean out the filters
When was the last time you replaced or washed the filters of your cooling unit and cleaned them thoroughly? Do this on a regular basis; you just cannot expect them to work efficiently and cool properly if they are covered in dust.
Utilize power strips
Do you leave all your devices turned on throughout the day? They are just wasting energy. Yes, turning them off one by one can be annoying, but you can connect them to a power strip, and just turn off the strip.
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