High Energy Bills! By Bill Prudehome

We are all facing increasing energy bills. Gas, electricity, fuel oil costs are increasing year after year and there is nothing in our future that would suggest that this will change.

There are many things that can be done in and around your home to reduce energy consumption and hence reduce energy costs.

The U.S. government has created a joint program called ENERGY STAR. Energy Star is a collaboration of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, its mandate is to identify and work with manufacturers to create products, and best practices in order to reduce energy consumption and protect the environment.

The average family in the U.S. spends $1,900 a year on energy consumption. Look at the EPA Energy Star ratings of all the items that you purchase. By purchasing wisely, you can save more than 35 percent on energy consumption without loosing any features and benefits of an item. For the average family that is more that $600 per year. Energy Star ratings are available for the following items.


Appliances
Heating and Cooling
Home Envelope
Home Electronics
Home Office Equipment
Lighting

Energy conservation does not only mean buying low power consumption appliances and other items. Every day we loose substantial amounts of energy by inefficient, poorly maintained equipment. Heat and cooling losses due to air ducts not being properly sealed, clogged air filters and loose fan belts are just a few of the ways we consume fuel unnecessarily.

Poor attic ventilation, windows, and doors that are not sealed properly, lack of insulation in floors, walls and attics all lead to higher energy consumption.

Half loads of laundry, leaving air conditioning systems on when away from home and inefficient water heaters add up to hundred’s of dollars a year in wasted energy.