By Andrea Henderson
Winter isn't over yet. Here are a few more tips to
save on those energy bills.
1. Ask about discounted rates. Some utility
companies offer "time of use" plans, where your
electricity rates are based on the time of day you
consume electricity. You pay lower rates during
off-peak hours, which vary by utility and region.
Activities such as doing laundry, running the
dishwasher and charging an electric vehicle during
off-peak hours — usually between 9 pm and 6
am — can help save money. Contact the utility
company to ask about these plans
2. It's a good idea to find nooks and crannies
where air may escape. To seal a home and prevent
air leaks:
• Fix damaged window and door seals.
• Add weatherstripping to windows.
• Insulate water pipes and water heater.
• Install door sweeps.
• Install foam gaskets behind switch plates
and outlets.
• Hang thermal curtains.
3. Install dimmer switches. A light dimmer is a
device that controls the brightness of a light fixture.
It can help save energy because it reduces the f low
of electricity to the bulb, so the light operates with
less power. That means saving money on electric
bills — and light bulbs last longer, too.
4. Use LED light bulbs. Replacing regular light
bulbs with energy-efficient versions can help save
energy and money, too. LED light bulbs cost a bit
more, but they consume at least 90 percent less
energy and last 25 times longer.
5. When washing clothes in warm or hot water,
about 75 percent of the electricity used goes toward
heating that water. Lowering the temperature from
75 degrees to just 60 degrees can help save at least
$60 a year. Cold water is better for clothes, too, since
it helps prevent shrinking, fading, and wrinkling.
10 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | FEBRUARY 2025
$aving ¢ents
