To Combat Rising Prices, Take Steps to Conserve Energy By Aimee Courtice
Corpus Christi Caller-Times
As energy prices rise and temperatures drop this winter, neglecting to keep an eye on electricity use may prove to be a costly mistake.
But that doesn't mean staying toasty through future cold spells has to drive up electric bills. Simply getting your system checked by a licensed electrician will determine if your heating system is working properly, according to energy experts.
Weatherstripping around windows, insulating the water-heating unit and eliminating space between outside doors and their frames will ensure that the heat you pay for isn't escaping your home.
Also, you can save about two percent on your monthly heating costs for each degree that you lower the thermostat, experts say. Or install a clock thermostat, which automatically adjusts the temperature setting one or more times per day.
According to the experts, setting your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit is adequate for most households. This setting is about midway between the low and medium settings on most water heaters. Typically water heaters are set at 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Each 10-degree reduction in water temperature generally will save about three percent on monthly water-heating costs.
(Contact Aimee Courtice of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times at www.caller.com .)
