Tips to reduce energy cost at home

Do you want to save energy? Do you want to reduce your energy bills? Here are a few tips to help you save energy and cut down monthly energy bills. Try to answer the following questions. If your answer to any of the questions is no, you should get the problem. This will help you to save money. Is your home well insulated? Are there any cracks and leaks in your home? Are the filters in your air conditioner clean? Do you have dripping taps at home? Do you have low flow toilets? Are the home fixtures energy-efficient? Do you use compact fluorescent bulbs? Usually people do not like to invest much in rented homes but are frustrated to see high bills. They do not have a clue that an old refrigerator may be consuming lot of energy. They may not know that there are cracks and gaps in the ductwork. Many apartment communities have proactive maintenance units that are willing to fix any issue in the units. Ask questions if you are concerned about the heating-cooling of your home, or the distribution system. Get the water heater insulated. Get the AC filters checked regularly. Many communities schedule a 6-month or one year inspection of the home. Usually filters get replaced during such inspections. However, if you suspect that the filter is bad, just request the maintenance supervisor to take a look. Request a programmable thermostat for your heating-cooling system. These go a long way in lowering energy bills. With a programmable thermostat you can set your temperature settings in advance and the device automatically reduces the temperature at night or at other times. Many times you may forget to turn off the heating-cooling system while leaving the house. The device can automatically shut down and allows you to set the home temperature during day/night. Check the door and window frames. Request a maintenance inspection if you suspect that air is leaking out from the frame. Immediately get clogs and leaks fixed. If you are living in a unit that is more than 10 years old, ask for an inspection list before moving into the apartment. Even if you are in a rented apartment, you can start investing in compact fluorescent light bulbs. Use power strips with sensors that automatically turn off the devices. You can also fill small gaps with caulk or expandable sealant. These are easily available in Home Depot, Lowes or Walmart. There is no harm in making energy efficient choices and spending some money on simple fixtures/solutions. Conserving energy and thereby, cutting bills can go a long way in saving more money and making eco-friendly choices.