Fort Lowell Realty & Property Management Phoenix

Tucson: (520) 322-0000

Tucson: (520) 322-0000

download3Whether you own a home or rent, most likely you are responsible for paying your monthly energy bill. Energy costs can be very expensive, particularly during the hot summer months. However, there are several steps you can take that will help you to save money by significantly lowering your energy bill.

In many areas of the country, heating costs account for most of the yearly energy bill. However, in the hot sunny climate of southwestern Arizona, most families spend most of their yearly energy budget on cooling costs. Installing a programmable thermostat can make a big difference. You can set it to turn off during the day when you are not at home and turn on shortly before you come home. Closing curtains and blinds on hot sunny days will also keep your home cooler, reducing the workload for your air conditioner.

If you have central heat and air in your home or apartment, check to make sure that all of your vents are open and that they are not covered by rugs or furniture. Although you may have heard that closing vents can reduce energy consumption, doing that will actually raise your energy costs. You should also replace your air filter regularly. This will not only improve the air quality in your home, but will also improve the airflow as well, which will allow your unit to function more efficiently.

You can also reduce your energy costs by making some adjustments to the way you use your appliances. For example, washing clothes on the cold water cycle instead of warm or hot will significantly reduce your energy usage. You can also lower the temperature setting on your dryer to save even more. When it comes to your dishwasher, disabling the heat dry cycle will also save you money on your monthly energy bill. If you are worried about spots on your dishes, you can simply use a rinsing agent. Furthermore, using those appliances in the evening during off-peak hours can also save you money.

Finally, turn off your computer and other electronics when you are not using them. Also unplug any chargers when you are not using them to charge electronics. Use a sleep timer for your television if you tend to fall asleep while watching TV in the evenings.

By following any of the suggestions listed above, you can enjoy significant savings on your monthly energy bill.