Sunday, November 30, 2014

Conserving Energy: Tips For Pennsylvania Propane & Ohio Propane Users

By Cath Buhr


The less energy we use, the less we have to pay. Saving money is always a great idea, but lowering our energy usage also is good for everybody. For those who use propane as an energy source, you already have opted for one of the most efficient fuel sources available, but here are a few other ways to trim the energy costs.

Keeping your home warm in the winter and cool during hot weather sucks up a huge portion of your yearly energy bill. However, there are a few ways to cut the cost. A programmable thermostat will allow you to keep the heater off when you don't need it and keep the temperature low late at night when you don't need as much heat. It is also wise to make sure that the heat is staying in the house, so check doors and windows for leaks and make sure that there is enough insulation to keep the heat in.

These same fixes can make your air conditioner work better during those hot summer months. Good insulation and a home free of leaks can keep the inside cool. Replacing old windows with energy saving windows is a good idea, but you can also coat them with film and cover the windows with drapes, especially when you aren't at home. Don't keep the house super cold when you leave the house, as this is just wasting money. Many people mistakenly believe that the air conditioner will have to work twice as hard to re-cool the house, but this actually is not the case.

The AC and the heater might take a ton of energy to use, but other appliances also take their toll. Newer appliances are more efficient, so when you can afford to upgrade, consider making a switch. Be sure to ask your salesperson if there are state credits or federal credits available for buying updated appliances. Only run your dishwasher when it is completely full and turn off the heated dry selection. Likewise, run only full loads of laundry and wash in cold water. If you can hang your laundry rather than using the dryer, consider doing this as much as possible, too.

Many electronics in our homes are plugged in throughout the day, and this also uses energy. Consider hooking your TV, DVD player and video game systems up to a large surge protector and turn them all off when you aren't using them. Consider doing the same for your computer and printer. Unplug your coffee pot, microwave and toaster when you aren't using them. Of course, it goes without saying that you should also turn off lights when you leave home, but you also can upgrade to energy efficient light bulbs and replace exterior lights with solar lights.

If you are an Ohio propane customer, a Delaware propane customer or perhaps a Pennsylvania propane customer, it is wise to buy your propane when the cost goes down, which usually happens in July and August. It's quite expensive to purchase during the winter months, and Thrifty Propane offers pre-buy specials for customers who wish to stock up when the costs are low. This definitely can add up to big savings on your yearly energy costs.




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