Utility bills are always on the increase in the rates you are being charged. In the heating and cooling of your home, your use of water and power for all the electric items in your home is getting very expensive. There are a number of proven ways for you to reduce your utility bills which will not affect your lifestyle.
One of the main users of power is your water heater, particularly if you have one of those water cylinders. If you cannot afford to switch over to another energy source like gas (remember look out for government incentives to do so) then reduce the heat setting of your water heater down to 120 degrees. Try replacing your shower heads with low flow (and yes they are not as bad as the Seinfeld episode) as this will help you reduce your use of hot water. If you have any leaky faucets you should replace these as well, as they could be draining your hot water plus they will be increasing your use of water. You could also ensure your showers and baths are not too long where you are just using hot water you don't need to. It is better to take a shower than a bath, as a shower uses much less water.
Do you really need to use a clothes dryer when the sun will do the same plus your clothes will be aired better out in the sunshine. Clothes dryers are huge power consumers and really should only be used when you quickly have to dry something to wear. Replace that top loader with a front loader washing machine. The front loader washing machines are extremely efficient in water use and with anew washing machine it will be much more power efficient than your old one. There is nothing better than natural sunshine and air. The dishwasher is the same as the clothes dryer, a huge user of power and of water. Washing up by hand is not such a bad thing to do, you can still watch your favorite TV show whilst you are doing it or better still have a conversation with your partner as you are doing it. If you are washing up for one, the hand washing of dishes will take no time at all.
Control your use of air conditioning and heating that you use. Use your thermostat to keep it at 65 degrees in winter and 80 degrees in summer. Try using fans in both winter and summer. In winter, ceiling fans can redistribute the heat from the ceiling back down to where you are and a fan in summer is like an open breeze. Is there is a breeze outside, open your windows on the shaded side of your home and get a cross ventilation thing happening. Do you really need lights on all over the home, particularly when no one is in those empty rooms. Switch off those additional lights, replace old fashion light bulbs with the new energy efficient fluorescent bulbs, and where possible use natural light from your windows or install a skylight.
Autor: Tom Peters
Tom has been writing for many years now. Not only does this author specialize in financial matters, you can also check out his latest web site at http://rachaelraycookwarereview.com/ which reviews and lists the best Rachael Ray Cookware for your kitchen.
Added: January 2, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
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