The less energy we use, the less we have to pay. Saving money is always a great idea, but lowering our energy usage also is good for everybody. For those who use propane as an energy source, you already have opted for one of the most efficient fuel sources available, but here are a few other ways to trim the energy costs.
Heating and cooling a home are perhaps the two most costly uses of energy in the typical American household. You can reduce your heating costs by making sure that you have plenty of insulation and that all of your air ducts, windows and doors are well sealed. Install a thermostat that allows to you regulate the temperature of the home based upon when you will be there. Keep the thermostat low when you are at work and while you are sleeping. You can program the thermostat to switch on 20 or so minutes before you arrive home or wake up to ensure that you are warm enough.
These same fixes can make your air conditioner work better during those hot summer months. Good insulation and a home free of leaks can keep the inside cool. Replacing old windows with energy saving windows is a good idea, but you can also coat them with film and cover the windows with drapes, especially when you aren't at home. Don't keep the house super cold when you leave the house, as this is just wasting money. Many people mistakenly believe that the air conditioner will have to work twice as hard to re-cool the house, but this actually is not the case.
Appliances are another necessity that sucks up energy. Older appliances should be replaced with the most up-to-date, energy efficient models if possible. Sometimes there are tax credits for buying appliances, so keep that in mind. In addition, don't run a load of wash or turn on the dishwasher unless they are very full. This will trim your energy costs and your water costs, as well. Washing clothes in cold water also shaves a bit off your bill, and switch off the heated dry tab on your dishwasher, as this expends extra energy, too.
Many electronics in our homes are plugged in throughout the day, and this also uses energy. Consider hooking your TV, DVD player and video game systems up to a large surge protector and turn them all off when you aren't using them. Consider doing the same for your computer and printer. Unplug your coffee pot, microwave and toaster when you aren't using them. Of course, it goes without saying that you should also turn off lights when you leave home, but you also can upgrade to energy efficient light bulbs and replace exterior lights with solar lights.
In addition to making sure your home is sealed up tight, you can reduce your Pennsylvania propane costs and Ohio propane costs by pre-buying when the propane prices are very low. Usually the price-per-gallon is lowest during the hottest months of the year, and Thrifty Propane customers can pre-purchase all the propane they might need when the costs are down. While it's an upfront cost, it truly can save hundreds of dollars over the course of the year.
Heating and cooling a home are perhaps the two most costly uses of energy in the typical American household. You can reduce your heating costs by making sure that you have plenty of insulation and that all of your air ducts, windows and doors are well sealed. Install a thermostat that allows to you regulate the temperature of the home based upon when you will be there. Keep the thermostat low when you are at work and while you are sleeping. You can program the thermostat to switch on 20 or so minutes before you arrive home or wake up to ensure that you are warm enough.
These same fixes can make your air conditioner work better during those hot summer months. Good insulation and a home free of leaks can keep the inside cool. Replacing old windows with energy saving windows is a good idea, but you can also coat them with film and cover the windows with drapes, especially when you aren't at home. Don't keep the house super cold when you leave the house, as this is just wasting money. Many people mistakenly believe that the air conditioner will have to work twice as hard to re-cool the house, but this actually is not the case.
Appliances are another necessity that sucks up energy. Older appliances should be replaced with the most up-to-date, energy efficient models if possible. Sometimes there are tax credits for buying appliances, so keep that in mind. In addition, don't run a load of wash or turn on the dishwasher unless they are very full. This will trim your energy costs and your water costs, as well. Washing clothes in cold water also shaves a bit off your bill, and switch off the heated dry tab on your dishwasher, as this expends extra energy, too.
Many electronics in our homes are plugged in throughout the day, and this also uses energy. Consider hooking your TV, DVD player and video game systems up to a large surge protector and turn them all off when you aren't using them. Consider doing the same for your computer and printer. Unplug your coffee pot, microwave and toaster when you aren't using them. Of course, it goes without saying that you should also turn off lights when you leave home, but you also can upgrade to energy efficient light bulbs and replace exterior lights with solar lights.
In addition to making sure your home is sealed up tight, you can reduce your Pennsylvania propane costs and Ohio propane costs by pre-buying when the propane prices are very low. Usually the price-per-gallon is lowest during the hottest months of the year, and Thrifty Propane customers can pre-purchase all the propane they might need when the costs are down. While it's an upfront cost, it truly can save hundreds of dollars over the course of the year.
About the Author:
Cath Buhr loves blogging reviews on propane retailers. For more details about Dayton propane retailers or to know local Pittsburgh propane prices, please go to the Thrifty Propane site today.