Five Easy Ways To Lower Your Power Bill

Many people are having a difficult time paying their bills due to the current bad economy. One of the worst offenders is the power bill – and it's only going to go up when the A/C comes on in the hot summer months. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help keep your electric bill under control. Check out these simple tips for home energy savings:* One of the simplest ways of saving money on your power bill is to change out your regular incandescent lightbulbs with cost-efficient compact fluorescent lights, or CFLs. While CFLs may cost more to buy, they have a longer life and will save you money on your electric bill each and every month. And you're no longer stuck with the glaring white light of before – CFLs are now available in assorted colors. * Although it may be an annoyance, you should unplug electrical devices when they aren't in use. Many of our devices and appliances draw a current even when they're turned off – for instance, the clock on your microwave is using power even when you aren't cooking. Easier, plug several items into a power strip and turn it off when they aren't in use. * Save money on your heating/cooling bill by making sure your AC/heater filter is cleaned or changed on a monthly basis. Don't waste energy by making your unit work harder than it has to. * Leaks and drafts waste energy in summer and winter, so seal up the places where they can get in or out. Leaks around door and window frames should be sealed up with caulk, and if windows are especially drafty you can use heavy curtains for insulation. Get a 'draft dodger' to block the space underneath doors – a rolled up towel is fine, although there are all sorts of cute ones available to buy. And don't forget to insulate your attic. * Most people sleep better when it's slightly cool, so there's no excuse not to lower the thermostat on winter nights! Lowering it by a mere 10 degrees can give you a very impressive saving on your electric bill. Actually, keep the thermostat lower in the daytime too, and put a sweater on – you'll save on your bill and know you're doing the earth some good.
Turning the thermostat down at night means bundling up – flannel pajamas and a king size down comforter will keep you toasty warm even in cold tempertures. Our house doesn't have heat and nights get down to 60 degrees, but with my king size down comforter I never feel cold.

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