All
around the world it seems like utility companies are making bigger
profits while also putting up prices. In America there is a battle for
resources and over the whole idea of a green economy. This being an
election year, both candidates are
failing to answer the questions of ordinary Americans about energy
bills. With winter coming, unless you have been maxing out the AC, the
bills are about to rise even more.
This
is why it is vitally important for you to take control of your
utilities and try to keep the costs as low as possible. For the last
decade or two, the green movement have been promoting better energy
efficiency. As far as federal policy goes, this usually means subsidies
for green energy that generates little and taxes on polluters. There is a
better reason for most ordinary Americans to go green. It saves money
when done right. You do not have to go out there and get some solar
panels, but if the house is organized right, costs can be reduced long
term.
Insulating the House
A
house needs to be both warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Which
ones can and cannot be applied depend on how your house is made. Loft insulation should
be possible in most houses. Again, many houses can have double glazed
windows fitted and any gaps around the window frame can be filled. Some
houses, ones with two layers of brick or stone or concrete can have
cavity wall insulation that puts a layer of foam between the layers to
keep the house warm.
These
actions act to reduce the need for actual heating. In terms of keeping
things cool, balancing vents in the house can help to improve the flow
of air during the summer. Keeping windows open where possible also
helps. Use thermal curtains too. They keep the heat in during the
winter, but if you close them during the summer they can help keep the
heat out. Last, consider painting your roof white. A study by
the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Heat Island Group showed
that white roofs reduce the amount of energy needed to keep a house cool
in summer.
Things You Use
With
a good many appliances and electrical goods there are low energy
versions available. Use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of
incandescent ones, which consume more energy. The light quality is a
little less, but are cheaper to run. Use a programmable thermostat, so
you can control when heating comes on and so it is off when you are out.
Also consider using storage heaters if possible, these store up the
heating energy during off-peak (cheaper) times and release them whenever
you want.
Cut
down on unnecessary electrics. In the summer do you really need to use a
dryer for your washing? Why not hang the clothes outside? Consider
reducing the amount of water you use if water is metered. Have quicker
showers, share baths (also romantic), turn down the valves on some taps
so less water comes out and use a sealed jar of water in the cistern to
reduce the flow of the toilet a little.
An Idea for the Garden
A
lot of people know about the idea of carbon offsetting. There are
companies that will plant trees if you pay them to in order to offset
your carbon footprint. This does not reduce costs. More practical is to plant trees on
your own land if you have the space. Sure, you do not want to obstruct a
nice view, who wouldn’t? But if you find strong winds batter your
house, get in through the cracks and make things drafty, a nice line of
trees can act as a wind break. In the summer some deciduous trees can
help areas of the house cooler.
Playing Smart with Utility Companies
It
is a sad fact of modern life that companies of all kinds do not respect
long term and loyal customers. If you blindly renew your insurances
with the same company year after year or if you keep using the same
utility company chances are they will not bother offering you discount
rates. Without realizing it you could be paying way over the odds for
things. First thing to do is to get online and find a comparison
website. For example, do a gas comparison for
gas heating companies or for a gas cooker and see what companies are
offering. Look at the deal your current gas provider are offering new
companies. Find the best quote then phone your provider up. If they do
not make a good enough price plan for you threaten to quit, if that does
not work, switch providers. Keep doing this to save money and make the
best deals around.
This article was provided by Eve who specializes in business and finance writing.
Disclaimer:
This is a guest post I did not receive compensation for publishing this
article. The views & opinions expressed in any guest post featured
on this site are those of the guest author and do not necessarily
reflect the opinions & views of DebrasDollars community as a whole.
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