Stittco Energy - Money Saving Tips

Efficiency Saves Money

While there is little we can do to control the unpredictable prices of world commodities, we can control what happens in our own home. We can save hundreds of dollars each year by following a few simple principles. Here are a few ideas to help you meet the never-ending challenges of staying comfortable and saving money.

Energy Saving Tips for Winter

Your heating system needs a regular cleaning and tune-up to run at peak efficiency. Schedule a check-up on your heater before the weather gets cold.

During the heating season change the filter on your furnace monthly. A dirty filter can decrease the efficiency of your furnace increasing your energy consumption.

Install a programmable or timer thermostat, which can help you save 15% or more on your annual energy bills. These thermostats can raise and lower the temperature settings automatically several times a day. For under $100, you can buy a quality programmable or timer thermostat that will save you money for years to come.

Consider a gas fireplace as an alternative to a wood-burning one. Propane fireplaces are much more efficient, distribute the heat more evenly and can cost significantly less to use.

Repair drafts around doors and windows. These can be some of the largest energy wasters in your home.

Energy Saving Tips for Heating Water

Use a gas water heater. A gas water heater heats your water twice as fast as an electric unit for less energy costs. A large electric water heater may be replaced by a smaller, cost efficient gas unit without sacrificing performance.

With low flow showerheads you can reduce the amount of hot water consumed in the shower by 40% without effecting shower water pressure.

When using the dishwasher or washing machine be sure you have a full load. A washing machine uses an average of 45-50 gallons per cycle. This can add up quickly.

Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving. This can save up to 9 gallons each morning.

Fix any dripping faucets. One dripping faucet can waste 350 gallons of water or more in just one month! Over a year that can add up to $180 or more.

Energy Saving Tips for the Kitchen

Cook with gas. A gas range can cost significantly less to use than an electric range.

Select a gas range with electronic pilotless ignition, this can use 40% less energy than a range with a standing pilot light

Check the seal on your oven door. Gaps or tears in the seal let heat escape, wasting energy.

When cooking use copper-bottomed cookware. They can heat up quicker and more evenly than regular pans.

Always cook with lids on your cookware. Boiling spaghetti without a lid can use three times as much energy.

Set the temperature in your refrigerator at 40 degrees, and your freezer around 5 degrees. A refrigerator set at 10 degrees colder than 40 can use 25% more electricity.

Don’t lay foil on the oven racks. Food cooks more quickly and efficiently in ovens when air can circulate freely.