Ways to Save Energy

If your state is deregulated, you have the option of changing your energy supplier. The service provider of any given area is usually dictated by the state utility board; however, the supply company is not. For instance, in South Jersey, most homeowners are served by either PSE&G or Atlantic City Electric. Since New Jersey is deregulated, homeowners are able to compare energy prices of approved suppliers and change their company. This enables them to get a lower rate and save money on their electric bill.

The trick in finding the best rate is to investigate the comparable rate and knowing the new company's terms and conditions. For instance, some companies will post a rate that is not necessarily what you are being charged. Companies looking to secure new customers may not have the supply fee service charge included in the rate. In fact, many homeowners are not even aware of that this charge actually exists. When they sign up for a new company and the first bill arrives, their bill actually goes up! Do your due diligence and you will be amazed at how much money you are able to save just by making this one change.

Remember the outrage when everyone found out that incandescent light bulbs were going to be outlawed? The humorous part of the whole discussion is the fact that with today's technology, they were useless anyway. Yes, they were cheaper than CFL lights, but they also burnt out much more frequently. The new energy efficient light bulbs are installed and in most cases, never have to be replaced! When was the last time you put in an incandescent bulb and had to wait five years or longer before replacing it?

In addition to the longer lifespan, they are also more energy efficient than the incandescent light bulbs. They not only save money when they are burning, they also burn less hot. Will changing out your bulbs lower your electric bill significantly? No, but over the course of the lifespan of the bulbs, the money saved on electricity and replacement bulbs is pretty staggering for the average home.

In addition to comparing energy prices and changing providers, using energy efficient appliances may be the single most important upgrade you can make when looking for ways to save energy. Many of us are comfortable using the fridge, stove, washer and dryer, and dishwasher that was in the house when we moved in. This can be a huge mistake if they are older appliances. Yes, this is a significant purchase, but over the years, this investment is recovered in energy savings.

Not only are older appliances more expensive to run, they also waste energy in other ways. For instance, an older fridge might have worn door gaskets that no longer form a tight seal when the doors are closed. If this is the case, the fridge and or freezer may continue to run because cold air is escaping or warm air is getting inside. Every time that compressor kicks on, your meter starts to turn just a bit quicker and increase your electric bill.

These are just a few of the ways to save energy and decrease your electric bill. Changing your electric supplier alone may save you ten percent or more on your bill! Change out your bulbs and watch that energy bill continue to drop. Even if you choose not to make the big purchase of new appliances, compare your bills after the changes to what your bills were over the year prior. Put that savings to the side and after a couple of years, you just many find that you are now able to purchase those fancy new appliances with your overstuffed piggy bank!