Seven Tips For Energy Conservation

It's wintertime in Houston, Texas, which for all of you in the northernmost states means almost nothing. We rarely see snow, and Christmas Eve temperatures are projected for the mid-seventies. I think we are guaranteed to skip the "White Christmas," but our climate does require that we know at least a little bit about energy-saving.

Unless you have millions, electricity bills are something at which to cringe. During the summer, keeping the thermostat at 80 degrees sometimes isn't even enough. Here are some tips for the energy-conscious to keep your bills at a minimum:

1. Check the Thermostat

If your house or apartment isn't equipped with a programmable thermostat, I suggest that you invest in one. This way, you can change your thermostat for when you sleep and when you're away. Figure out what range of temperatures allows you to be comfortable, and never set above or below that level. Over a 24-hour period, you can save 3% on your energy costs for every degree you lower the thermostat.

2. Keep the House Sealed

We all want to enjoy the natural breeze, but if you leave windows or doors open, you energy costs are going to skyrocket. If you haven't already done so, install weather stripping around windows and doors. Caulk any cracks or openings in the siding. And consider installing or repairing storm windows and storm doors. You'll want to prevent as much expensively-heated air from escaping as possible (or cooled in the winter).

3. Use the Sun to your Advantage

If the sun takes a moment to peak out behind the clouds, throw open the drapes and allow the rays to work their magic. This will keep the central air from struggling to maintain the correct temperature.

4. Install Ceiling Fans

Not just for the hot months, ceiling fans can help redistribute warm air that has risen. Run them on a relatively low speed, and see the difference in your bill.

5. Increase Insulation

Be sure your home is adequately insulated. If it isn't, increase insulation, particularly in the attic. Not only is the attic usually the easiest place to insulate, but it's where you will see the greatest benefit in energy savings. Remember, warm air rises!

6. Replace the Furnace

Consider replacing your furnace if it is more than six or seven years old. They are an excellent source of central air, but out-of-date furnaces can utilize less than fifty percent of the fuel they burn. Newer furnaces peg that number up above ninety percent, which will result in a dramatic change in your electricity bill.

7. Control Humidity Levels

For comfort in winter, your home's relative humidity levels should range from 30 to 50 percent. If they drop below this, the air becomes very dry and higher temperatures are required to feel warm. Conversely, if the air becomes too humid, windows drip with condensation. In most cases, the problem in winter is lack of humidity because using a heater dries out the air. To boost the humidity, you can buy a humidifier, which puts water vapor back into the air. Room or console humdifiers will handle individual rooms and small areas, but for the entire house you'll need a whole-house system that is installed as part of the heating system.

All in all, energy conservation in in how much you pay attention. Stay proactive in your home, and if you have small children, keep them away from the thermostat! If you make an adjustment, and you see positive results in your bill, keep that tidbit of information filed away for later use. Sometimes, your energy provider will keep tips on their website, so you can always check there for ideas in your area.