Friday, December 3, 2010

7 Ways to Save Money on Pennsylvania Electric Bills (without choosing a new provider)


By now hopefully you're considering new "electric distribution company" (EDC) or "electric generation supplier" (EGS) (see explanation) to reduce your electrical bill from one PECO is charging you now (and avoid the rate hikes ahead).
But nothing beats being smart about how you conserve your energy, and here's where small steps can mean a lot. Some tips courtesy of PA Power Switch, which you've no doubt heard about on television and radio advertisements. 
  1. Seal leaks and weather strip doors. You're probably heating the planet through those cracks beneath doors or poorly-insulated windows.
  2. Do you have a water heater in your basement? Drop it to 120 degrees, and save money and reduce the chance you might burn yourself or a child. 
  3. Move furniture away from vents. My parents used to get furious when I'd place my file cabinet over my vent, which causes the air conditioning or heater to work overtime.
  4. Get an inexpensive thermostat at Home Depot or Sears. They're surprisingly easy to replace, and they'll save you the task of changing your upstairs and downstairs temperature as part of your morning or night-time ritual.
  5. Pay attention to appliances that run very hot or cold. They're usually spinning your meter, and we often leave things (coffee makers, fridges) running when we don't need them.
  6. Don't underestimate the power of energy-saving bulbs. They're cute, last longer, and save significant dollars over their lifetime. They aren't always as bright, so you may need more of them running. 
  7. Finally, consider updating some appliances. A fuel efficient drier or heater can drop your bill significantly.
Now stay warm, and keep the heat to yourself. We don't need any more global warming because your heat is slipping out doors, windows and attics. And sometimes spending on a new appliance is a long-term money saver. Plus that toaster oven probably has some crumbs in it from 1998.

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