By Nick Gale, WLS-AM 890 News
(SPRINGFIELD, IL) — Up to one half of our annual home energy use is consumed in heating and cooling. Steven Groner is a community and economic development educator with the U of I Extension office. He says energy use awareness can help save $15 to $20 monthly. He offers these tips.
- With the cost of LED light bulbs gradually dropping, replace two bulbs per month until all have been switched over. The change will pay for itself. Also, look for giveaways at senior fairs and community expos. Some organizations provide bulbs as a gift to consumers.
- Look for drafts and air leaks. Most can be fixed with weatherstrip sealing materials and calks available from a local hardware store.
- Keeping the thermostat set higher in summer has electric bill saving potential. The US Department of Energy recommends a 78 degree setting when at home.
- Keep your cooling and heating systems in good shape with annual maintenance.
You can also save energy by unplugging chargers and small & entertainment appliances for eight hours or more while sleeping and out-of-the-house.
Copyright 2018 WLS-AM News
