This topic always seems to come up. Here are some tips for keeping the utility bills in check.
Thermostat
Lowering your thermostat is the easiest way to reduce your utility bill. Unfortunately it also reduces comfort. Setting your thermostat lower by 5 to 10 degrees F overnight is more tolerable. If you don't already have a programmable thermostat then add one. Many models can also lower the temperature during the day while you're gone. This is especially effective for older, poorly-insulated houses. Unfortunately they're not nearly as effective on hot water heating systems because those systems don't heat back up as quickly.
Furnace Filter
Change your furnace filter! A dirty filter blocks household air moving through the furnace and sends more heat up the chimney. A dirty filter also makes the air conditioner work harder, so remember to change the filter during the summer, too. As an added benefit, changing the filter regularly is one of the best things you can do to prolong the life of your furnace and air conditioner.
Attics
Some people close off attic vents in winter in an effort to lower their utility costs. This is a bad idea! Large amounts of moisture migrate into an attic from the living space. Without proper ventilation the moisture will condense on the sheathing. At best it will grow mildew. Worse, it could rot the roof structure. If you want to reduce energy bills, then add more insulation. Additional insulation can usually be added by blowing in loose fiberglass or cellulose insulation on top of the insulation that's already in place. Make sure that you don't block off eave vents with the new insulation.
Vent Pipes
"What about those open vent pipes in the utility room? Shouldn't I block them off in the winter?" No! You may think that the builder forgot to hook them up to something, but these combustion air supply vents are there for a reason. Gas fired appliances (your furnace and water heater) consume oxygen, and it must be replaced. If the burners are starved for oxygen they will produce more carbon monoxide. This could be fatal for you and your family! Make sure that you keep these vent pipes open.
Wood Burning
Denver's air pollution problems are notorious. The problem has many sources, but one of them is ashes from wood burning. Having a fire may add warmth to your home, but check first to see if you can do it legally. Burning restrictions change daily depending on weather conditions and the current air pollution situation. For more information on current restrictions contact the Air Pollution Control Division at 303-782-0211 or on-line at: http://apcd.state.co.us/advisory.aspx
Ducts
Check furnace ducts for open or leaking joints, particularly in attics and crawls spaces. If you find a leak seal it with foil-faced tape made especially for this purpose. Do NOT use common gray 'duct' tape - its adhesive dries out quickly and it falls off. Insulate furnace ducts in attics and crawl spaces. Again, there are special materials made just for this to make the job easier.
Staying Cool
- Move heat producing activities to the early morning or late evening hours. Cooking, laundry and even showers can put a large amount of heat into the home.
- Use small appliances rather than larger ones. The microwave oven is an ideal example. Move cooking outdoors to the barbecue — as if you needed an excuse?
- Turn off unused appliances. TV's, stereos and even computers put off a lot of heat. Turn them off if they are not being used.
- A routine service call may improve AC efficiency, particularly for an older unit. Remember to change the furnace filter during air conditioning season, too.
- Clear bushes from the AC condenser (the outdoor part). Leaves, pet hair, Cottonwood seeds and even dryer lint will make an AC work harder and less efficiently, and will shorten the equipment life. Air needs to move through the unit freely.
Showers
Minimizing water used during a shower also means minimizing the HOT water used. This lowers both your water bill and your gas bill. Despite their bad reputation, low flow shower heads can give a good spray pattern at low flow rates. Of course, if you like standing under Niagara Falls, this isn't for you.
Clothes Dryer
Little things can make a difference. You should regularly clean the lint from the filter in your dryer - once or even twice per load. This will allow clothes to dry faster (using less power). Also, dryer lint is quite flammable. Keeping the filter clean reduces the chances of fire.
Water Heater
Turn down the temperature on your water heater to 120 or 125 degrees F (usually about the mid-point on the dial, but check it with a meat thermometer). Hotter temperatures waste energy and create a scalding hazard.