What is the best way to avoid a jolt in your energy bill?

Question

What is the best way to avoid a jolt in your energy bill?

Answer 1

Many don't know that machines that are plugged in but not turned on still use a small amount of electricity. It would help a little to unplug anything not in use.

Answer 2

If you live in a southern clime your power bill will spike in the summer months when you are using your A/C.  The reverse is true of the cold winter months when your heating bills will be the highest.  

My suggestion to you is to moderate your household temperature to cut down the bills, plus lowering your hot water heater temperature to the vacation setting when not in use, and of course turning off lights, etc. when not in use.  

But also, and very important in your case, would be to get on a level billing program with your power company.  This way they average your monthly bills over a year and divide by 12, which allows you to budget for the same amount every month with no surprises.

Answer 3

It's like where do I start, right? So many solutions. When you say 'energy' I will assume you mean both electricity year round as well as home heating. The best way is to reduce your energy consumption. How? By any and all of these inexpensive approaches:

1. having energy audit done on home to find out areas specific to your home where you can reduce our waste of consuming non-renewable resources

2. instal ENERGY STAR rated windows

3. installed exterior solar shades (these things really work!)

4. purchased a manua or a solar charged electric lawn mower

5. instal retractable screens to improve air ventillation in the spring and fall to reduce excess heat build up and thus reduce the A/C from running as much

6. instal weather stripping around door to cold cellar to prevent heat loss in the winter

7. instal caulking around door and window frames

8. install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature during your planned absences from the home

9. installing more power bars at home to reduce elecric consumption of TV's, computer, DVD player, etc. while in stand-by mode

10. installing natural gas or electric tankless water heaters

11. install solar water heaters and solar hydronic home space heating

12. instal solar space heating for home (help heat the home in the winter without any energy consumption)

13. instal a high efficiency furnace

I hope that helps!

Dan

Answer 4

Here Are Some Great Websites To Help You Out

Answer 5

Don't use AC and don't leave your computer on when you're finished using it.

Answer 6

Move in with your neighbors.