Does your energy bill seem to increase month after month? Though we can’t control the cost of electricity, you do have control of how much energy you utilize in your home. Let’s take a look at a few ways to save energy at home to minimize cost without giving up quality comfort.

Change Light Bulbs

Energy Star certified CFL or LED bulbs use 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs and have a longer lifetime. Consider using timers to turn lights on in the morning and off during the day.

Install a Programmable Of Wi-Fi Thermostat

Programmable thermostats save energy by adjusting temperatures to match the settings you have in place, and Wi-Fi thermostats allow you to change the temperature with the click of a button on your computer or cell phone. Save energy while you’re sleeping, at work or on vacation.

Install Attic Insulation-Rated R-30 And Seal Any Attic Leaks To Reduce High Home Cooling Costs

Leaks in unfinished attics can waste energy, so be sure to check all sources of potential air leakage including fans and lighting fixtures in the ceiling. Pull back the insulation to seal cutouts with caulk or expandable foam.

Limit Your Use Of Portable Heaters

Great for spot heating, portable heaters provide a warm welcome during the fall and winter months. Be careful not overuse the convenient heaters as running a 1,500-watt heater all day can add up on your electric bill.

Utilize Additional Sources To Cool Or Warm Your Home

Leave window shades or blinds open during the daytime to capitalize on the sun’s warmth. Plants trees and shrubs around your home to provide shade during the hot summer months.

Do Laundry the Right Way

By switching to cold water only, you can save 40 cents per load. Wash and dry several loads at once, so that your dryer isn’t completely cooled down when it heats up for the next load, and try to wash full loads of clothes when possible. Air dry whenever possible to cut down on energy costs.

Pay Attention to Eectronics

Plug electronics into a power strip, so you can quickly and easily turn the strip off when not in use to save on energy costs. Unplug battery chargers, especially cell phone chargers, when batteries are fully charged or the chargers are not in use. Many chargers draw power continuously, even when the device is not plugged into the charger.

Consider a Reflective Roof

Reduce the strain on your AC by applying reflective coating on your home’s roof. This will help you save by decreasing the amount of heat coming into your home. Reflective roofs not only reduce heat buildup, they also prevent the expansion and contraction that degrade roofs.

Check Out EnergyAdvantage® Programs

Many of MidAmerican Energy’s EnergyAdvantage programs feature rebates that defray the often higher cost of energy-efficient equipment and materials. These programs will help you save money on your energy bill, improve the comfort of your home and reduce the demand on the natural resources needed to produce energy. For more information, visit midamericanenergy.com/ee.

Get Peace Of Mind

Invest in planned service with Wyckoff’s Peace of Mind program. This entails two, annual service visits, 10 percent off regular service rates, 15 percent off parts and accessories and helpful tips from our experts to help save on your energy costs and ensure you experience quality comfort year-round.

Here are a few other articles to help you with energy saving tips.

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