Perhaps the most
appealing energy conservation activity for both residential and commercial
energy consumers is to reduce electric bill. And what energy user would not be
enticed by the potential savings that are expected to result from converting to
power saver appliances and following simple save electricity tips. To reduce
electric bill is a meaningful first step towards showing commitment to reduce
one’s carbon footprint and help minimize pollution. Although, energy consumers
should never settle and limit themselves to committing efforts solely on
reducing energy bills.
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As with anything,
there will always come newer and better ways to reduce electric bill. More and
more people are now highly aware of the ill effects of overuse and misuse in
energy consumption and how they can take their part in preventing the eventual
depletion of the Earth’s finite energy sources. This is primarily because of
private, government, and non-government entities’ recognition of the importance
of everyone doing something to protect the environment.
Apart from the usual
save electricity tips, there are other activities one can do at home to beat
rising electricity rates. For property owners or occupants looking at promoting
energy efficiency at home, optimizing the energy use of air cooling or heating
systems should be the top priority, as this comprises a huge chunk of the
electric bill. One of the ways to reduce electric bill is by trying to improve
the temperature and air quality within your own homes particularly during summertime
by keeping in mind and considering the following:
1. First
and foremost, the structure itself should support ample ventilation. But even if natural ventilation is
maximized, it might not be sufficient during windless summers. In such case,
electric fans, air coolers, and air conditioners would have to be utilized.
2. During
summer months, electricity prices spike because of high demand. The temptation is great to go for
convenience over scrimping but it does not necessarily have to be a choice
between saving electricity by enduring the heat and maximizing the use of
energy without sacrificing the convenience of the home occupants. The key lies
on being more resourceful when it comes to managing the home’s energy use.
3. Maximize
the door and window use.
You may opt to open them during the hot summer season to promote good air flow
between the indoor and outdoor environment. By doing so, you are not just
improving the comfort of the home’s occupants, you are also encouraging a
healthier, fresher air for the indoors.
4. Know
where the breeze naturally blows. Make
the most of the airflow to keep the hot air out and the cool breeze in.
Complement the breeze by placing an electric fan in between the home occupant
and an open door or window. This would assist the air movement indoors.
5. Where’s
the sunshine? Also
identify where the afternoon sun’s rays would hit and minimize its effect on
the indoor temperature by either avoiding staying in that area or use blinds,
window shades, or curtains. These can prevent the amount of light and its
accompanying heat from entering the openings. Afternoon sun brings with it a
harsher amount of heat than morning’s sun rays so it is essential to address
this concern.
6. Check
your ceiling height. The
room’s height from the floor to the ceiling is a big factor in improving indoor
temperature. The ideal distance would be between 2.75 meters to 4 meters in
order to promote air circulation.
7. Minimize
the use of heat-producing appliances at home. Heat from these appliances can radiate
through the air and affect the comfort of the occupants. You may try to do the
necessary heat generating activities such as cooking or ironing at night time
when air within the homes is significantly cooler. By doing so, the amount of
heat that gets trapped within the rooms will be minimized.
8. Change
the paint color.
Even the home owners’ choice of paint color for the walls and ceiling can
either contribute to the rise or lessen the indoor temperature. Go for light
colors that can reflect light instead of opting for darker hues which tend to
absorb more heat.
9. Plant
more trees.
Tall trees can offer your home some shade, which significantly lowers the
temperature within. Even small plants and bushes can cool the surrounding
atmosphere and improve the air quality. Green is also a cooling color so
consider filling your surroundings with as much live plants as you can.
Surely there are
other ways you can reduce electric bill, but improving the home’s indoor
temperature without heavily using electronic appliances and cooling system
sounds like a good start. The World Wide Web alone can provide you with lots of
options when it comes to learning how to save electricity. Most definitely, you
will find ones that are easy to follow and practical to do.
Article
provided by Green Energy Audits, a home energy auditor, serving Longmont, Boulder
and nearby areas in Colorado. Visit them at: greenenergyaudits.com
