Tips to Save

Living in Las Vegas, NV I learned that there are ways we can reduce our energy use in home and save money.

Have you ever looked at your electric bill and was like "Daaaaaaayum!" I know I have especially during the months of summer... It can get ridiculous!

I learned a few tips from Nevada's energy company and I believe that the information they provided is simple yet valuable. I'd like to take this time to share it with you

No Cost Tips

No cost tips are simple steps don't cost a thing, but can potentially save you 10 to 25% on your monthly energy bill.

• Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Don't forget your computer. Most new computers have sleep settings.
• In the winter, open window coverings on the sunny side of your home to take advantage of free heat from the sun. Close the coverings on cloudy days or right after the sun sets.
• In the cooling season, close blinds and drapes during the day to keep heat out.
• In warm months, set the thermostat to 78 to 80 degrees when home and 5 to 10 degrees warmer at night or when you're not home.
• In the cold months, set the thermostat to 68 degrees when home, and then back to 55 to 68 degrees when unoccupied.
• Dress according to the weather.

• Barbecue outdoors when practical, keeping in mind the heat and effect of sun on your body. Reducing the heat coming into your home from any source, such as cooking, will reduce the load on your air conditioning.
• Use pool trippers to reduce the time your swimming pool pump runs -- eight to 12 hours a day is plenty.
• Vacuum your refrigerator coils (underneath and in the back) and don't obstruct the coils. They need air space to work.
• Make sure food is cool and covered before it goes into the refrigerator.
• Also, use your dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, and cook as late in the evening as possible.
• If your dishwasher has a filter, keep it clean.
• Keep your freezer as full as possible. You can place containers or plastic bottles filled with water in the empty spaces.
• Keep the seals (gaskets) on refrigerators and freezers clean.
• Use the energy saver option on your dishwasher, allowing dishes to air dry.
• Run full loads in your washer and dryer, and use "solar drying" (clotheslines).
• Unplug your televisions/DVD/DVR when you're on vacation. Most new sets draw power even when they're turned off.
• Keep lights and lighting fixtures clean, especially if you're reducing the number of lights you use. Dirt absorbs light. Let lights cool before cleaning them, and never touch halogen bulbs with your bare hands. The oil from your skin can greatly damage the bulbs. Use a small piece of paper to hold the bulb.
• If your A/C unit is on the ground, keep the area around it clean and free of obstructions to maintain air flow.
• Close foundation vents in the winter months.
• Clean the reflectors underneath the burners on stove-tops.
• Set your water heater to 120 degrees.

Low-Cost Tips

Low cost tips are easy-to-do projects or steps you can do to save another 10 to 25% on your energy bill. And there are plenty of them too.

• Use LED bulbs instead of incandescent ones. Regular bulbs use most of the electricity to generate heat, so use care when changing bulbs.
• Clean your furnace system and check ducts for leaks.
• Install electrical outlet and switch plate insulation.
• Check the seals on your refrigerator and freezer.Caulk windows, and caulk and weather-strip doors. Keep the outside air out and the inside air in.
• Install a hot water heater blanket, but be careful not to cover vents or temperature settings.
• Fix leaky faucets and install low-flow shower heads.
• Use room fans to keep the air moving and reduce the feeling of heat in your home.
• Install hot water pipe insulation. Do keep the insulation at least six inches away from the flue (exhaust pipe) of gas water heaters.
• Replace furnace and air conditioner filters. Spray the filters with a light coating of lemon furniture polish or vegetable oil cooking spray to help trap dirt in the filter.
• Replace regular thermostats with programmable thermostats.

Consider buying a cover for your pool to retain heat in the water.

Added-Cost Tips

Added-cost tips you will need the help of a contractor. These steps could potentially save you another 25% on your monthly bill. Remember to do your research before you sign a contract or put any money down for a deposit.

• Replace older appliances with energy efficient ones. All appliances have an Energy Guide Label that tells you how efficient it is and how much it will cost you to run. Often times, an appliance more than 10 years old is not likely to be energy efficient. (Look for products with the ENERGY STAR® label.)
• If your furnace is over 10 years old, replace it with a 90% or greater Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rated unit.
• Have ceiling fans installed in all bedrooms and your family room. They can make you more comfortable while allowing you to save money by adjusting your thermostat.
• Test and seal your duct work. Not only does this improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system, it makes the house more comfortable.
• Replace inefficient and single-pane windows with energy efficient, multi-pane, thermally-broken and vinyl-framed windows.
• Install floor and ceiling insulation. It is recommended to have a minimum of an R-30 to R-38 insulation in the attic and R19 insulation in the sub-floor.
• Service your heating and air conditioning systems once a year, replacing them if necessary.

• Add a solar heater for the water in your swimming pool.
• Add window screens or window films to reduce the sun's heat entering in your home.

I hope this list of no-cost, low-cost, and added-cost brings value to you like it did for other families and I. For more information on how to save energy check out your local energy company and visit their site.

Happy Savings!