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.
When it comes to the air conditioner, the same rules apply. Keep the air conditioner off or set to a higher temperature when you are not at home. Make sure that cool air is not escaping through your windows and ducts and doors. Also you can install better windows or apply special insulating film to the windows that get the most direct sunlight. Shades and awnings also can reduce the impact of the sun and make it easier for your air conditioner to do its job. If you have an old heater or AC, consider upgrading to a more energy efficient system as there might even be federal credits for some upgrades.
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.
Take a look around your home and you will see quite a few plugs stuck into sockets. Consider unplugging some of these, such as the microwave oven, as they use energy while just sitting there plugged in the wall. The TV and all of its accoutrements also use energy even when they are turned off, so invest in a power strip and flip the switch when you aren't using these electronics. Your computer is just the same, so turn it off and flip off the power strip switch when it's not being used, such as at night or when you are at work.
You can even maximize your propane dollar by purchasing your Ohio propane or your Pennsylvania propane in bulk during the hot months of the year. Generally, the price of propane drops during months such as August and July. At Thrifty Propane, customers can pre-buy hundreds of gallons of propane at the low prices and shave hundreds off their yearly utility 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.
When it comes to the air conditioner, the same rules apply. Keep the air conditioner off or set to a higher temperature when you are not at home. Make sure that cool air is not escaping through your windows and ducts and doors. Also you can install better windows or apply special insulating film to the windows that get the most direct sunlight. Shades and awnings also can reduce the impact of the sun and make it easier for your air conditioner to do its job. If you have an old heater or AC, consider upgrading to a more energy efficient system as there might even be federal credits for some upgrades.
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.
Take a look around your home and you will see quite a few plugs stuck into sockets. Consider unplugging some of these, such as the microwave oven, as they use energy while just sitting there plugged in the wall. The TV and all of its accoutrements also use energy even when they are turned off, so invest in a power strip and flip the switch when you aren't using these electronics. Your computer is just the same, so turn it off and flip off the power strip switch when it's not being used, such as at night or when you are at work.
You can even maximize your propane dollar by purchasing your Ohio propane or your Pennsylvania propane in bulk during the hot months of the year. Generally, the price of propane drops during months such as August and July. At Thrifty Propane, customers can pre-buy hundreds of gallons of propane at the low prices and shave hundreds off their yearly utility costs.
About the Author:
Cath Buhr loves blogging reviews on propane retailers. For more information about Dayton propane retailers or to find local Pittsburgh propane prices, please check out the Thrifty Propane site today.
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