We ALL have more appliances and gadgets these days. Here are some tips on how to keep your "electricity guzzlers" in check and save a few dollars every month.
Turning off TVs and Computers when they aren't in use, can save you money.
Desktop computers use 60 to 250 watts of electricity - turn off your computer and monitor when you're not using them.
A Laptop Computer uses 15 to 45 watts of electricity an hour - consider using a laptop instead of a desktop computer.
Computers use 1 to 6 watts in standby mode - set your computer to auto-sleep instead of using a screensaver - screensavers do not save electricity.
Use power strips for your home electronics - turn the power strips off when you're not using the TV, DVD, etc. Even in standby mode, home electronics use several watts of electricity.
Unplug the cell phone charger(s) when you're not charging your cell phone - even when it's not charging your cell phone, it is using electricity.
Use an electric fan. They cost less than .01 an hour to run; and when you use it with air conditioning, fans can improve your comfort level by 8 to 10 degrees.
Check the water heater for leaks and for property thermostat setting. The recommended temperature for our area is 140 degrees. Use a meat thermometer under hot running water to check the temperature.
Replace high-wattage incandescent bulbs with low-wattage compact fluorescent lights (CFL).
Change the filer on the heating and cooling system twice a month during warm summer months.
If your air conditioning system is 15 to 20 years old, consider replacing it. Check out CPS Energy air conditioning rebates at cpseergy.com.
Do you have some energy saving tips you'd like to share? Add them in the comment section and I'll include them on this list.
When buying or selling a home in North Central, North East or North West San Antonio, TX, you deserve local expertise and advice. Judi Morgan-Castete provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers, corporate and military transferees in San Antonio, Stone Oak, Canyon Springs, Shavano and Shavano Park, Castle Hills, Rogers Ranch, Helotes, Sonoma Ranch, Alamo Ranch, Red Bird Ranch, The Dominion, Leon Valley and more. Copyright 2011. Judi Morgan-Castete, All rights reserved.
