| To fight high energy bills, I use a multiple prong | | | | I once found a sizable gap by one door that was |
| approach throughout my house. Since any one of | | | | releasing cool air from my house at a considerable |
| these methods can offer energy savings, I prefer | | | | rate. Leaving something like this unchecked would |
| to combine and use them as much as possible to | | | | be a sure way to keep the AC running more than |
| maximize my savings. The following is my list of | | | | it needs to. Weather strips are not very |
| energy saving tips, in order from easiest to | | | | expensive, and using them to seal off any leaks is |
| implement to most difficult. | | | | a great way to help the AC work less. |
| 1) Use Fluorescent Light Bulbs | | | | 5) AC at 75 degrees |
| While fluorescent bulbs cost more than | | | | Ahh, the timeless Battle of the Thermostat! I |
| incandescent bulbs initially, they last a lot longer | | | | admit as you probably would that there is a |
| and use a lot less electricity, so the savings overall | | | | temptation to keep the thermostat around the 72 |
| are considerable. I had a light fixture that used | | | | degree range. I suggest gradually upping it to just |
| four 60 watt bulbs. I was able to switch to using | | | | 75 degrees to again keep the AC happy...or |
| four 15 watt fluorescent bulbs that produce the | | | | happier. |
| same light as the 60 watt ones. In other words, I | | | | 6) Add ice to the freezer |
| went from burning 240 watts down to 60! And | | | | I keep extra bags of ice in my freezer so the |
| that is just one fixture in my house! I replaced all | | | | temperature stays cold longer and the freezer |
| my light bulbs last year and so far haven't had to | | | | doesn't need to work as hard. I've even placed |
| replace a burned fluorescent bulb! | | | | reused empty gallon bottles of drinking water in |
| 2) Use Cold Water Laundry Detergent | | | | my freezer, once I refilled them with tap water. |
| Several laundry detergent brands now offer a | | | | That large quantity of ice helps keep the freezer |
| "Cold Water" version. I use this so I can wash all | | | | colder longer, and essentially reduces the amount |
| of my clothes without using the hot water. This | | | | of time the freezer needs to run and reduces the |
| has dropped my gas bill drastically: almost 50% | | | | amount of electricity used. |
| for some months! | | | | 7) Add energy efficient windows to your house |
| 3) Change AC Air Filter | | | | Double paned windows filled with a gas like |
| I replace my home air conditioner's air filter | | | | krypton or something similar have proven to be a |
| regularly since it is a great way to keep the AC | | | | great barrier to heat and consequently a great |
| from working too long and burning up more | | | | tool for reducing your need for electricity to cool |
| electricity. I prefer to use what is known as | | | | your home. Of course, the initial expense for |
| "pleated" air filters over the traditional spun glass | | | | these windows is high, but the cost savings over |
| variety, as the pleated filters last longer. Again, | | | | time will be well worth the investment. |
| the pleated filters cost more, but I feel like the | | | | While your energy bills will tend to be higher during |
| overall benefits are worth it. Besides, I'd rather | | | | warmer months, that doesn't mean you can't |
| not worry if particles from a spun glass filter are | | | | reduce the amount of your bill by taking some |
| getting pulled in through my AC system and into | | | | proactive measures. You'll reap the rewards of |
| my lungs. | | | | lower energy bills over time by taking some |
| 4) Seal doors and windows | | | | actions like those described here. Good luck! |