Tips to Cut Energy Bills
With the dog days of summer officially upon us -- and with utility costs rising at the same pace as our backyard thermometers, the Alliance to Save Energy offers these tips to remain cool during the sweltering heat and save a few bucks in the process:

Shift energy-intensive tasks, such as laundry and dishwashing, to off-peak hours -- nights, mornings, and weekends -- when the strain on the power grid from business, industry and homes operating air conditioning simultaneously is reduced. Operate washers and dryers with full loads to get the most for your energy dollars.

Cooling puts the greatest stress on the power grid and summer energy bills. Maintain your AC equipment with a professional "tune-up" to save you the cost and inconvenience of a breakdown during the hottest days. Clean or replace filters monthly.

Also consider increasing the temperature by just three degrees to decrease your energy bills -- or use a fan to circulate air so that you can increase the temperature comfortably. For optimum performance, make sure window units are sized properly.


Excerpts reprinted with permission of Realty Times.

Energy Tips:

1. Save water and energy simultaneously. Energy Star-certified clothes washers cut water and energy usage simultaneously, while getting clothes just as clean with less wear and tear .


2. Since your refrigerator runs 24 hours a day and accounts for about 10 percent of the total home electricity bill, keep the coils clean to reduce your energy bills and extend the life of your appliance. The coils are located behind or under the fridge.


3. Plug energy "leaks" with appropriate insulation, weather stripping, caulking and "low-e" or spectrally selective windows, glass doors and skylights. Make sure your attic and the rest of your house are well insulated. Some of these home energy-efficiency improvements can generate up to a $500 federal tax credit.


4. Turn off everything not in use. Lights, TVs, computers. Everything!