Chapter 1: Determining Current Costs
One of the first things that you should do when looking at your ability to make your home more cost efficient is to know just what you are currently paying.
By taking the time to determine what you are currently spending on energy, you can better determine which areas you have the potential to save with. In each area of the country, there are different rates, different co ops and a wide range of different types of fuel to take into consideration.
It is up to you to find out what you are paying based on your monthly bill payments. Look at those payments and notice two things.
Your goal, then, is to notice how you can change these.
Can You Lower The Cost Per Unit?
The first way to determine if you can lower you costs with your fuel usage is to determine if you have the most cost effective provider of that fuel.
In many areas of the country, there are several providers of each type of fuel that you need. For example, you may have a choice in which gas company you use or which electric company that you use. If that is the case, then you should determine which is capable of providing you with the lowest rate per unit of fuel used.
To find out if you have an option in this service, simply contact your local government. They can easily tell you which providers are available as well as provide contact information to you.
Then, give each provider a call and ask them if they do in fact provide to your home. If so, then ask what their rates per unit are, as well as any transfer or account set up fees that they may have. Do this for all of the providers in your area until you find the most affordable choice.
By doing this, you can instantly save money without having to worry about investing anything but a few minutes of your time.
Can You Lower The Number of Units?
The next step in this process is to determine if you can lower the number of units that you use of your fuel type.
Now, the most simplistic of ways to do this is through simply turning off more power or fuel to your home.
One thing that people do not realize is just how much it matters that you turn off and unplug the appliances and other tools for your home.
Throughout the next pages of this e-book, you will learn not only how to improve the efficiency of your home, but also how to simply use less energy altogether. When you do this, you are better able to find lower costs.
For now, start off by investing a few minutes right now. Get up and walk from room to room in your home. Turn off any light, any fan, any appliance that is on. Don’t forget to unplug those units that leave LED lights on even when they are turned off. These units can save you a great deal of money. Go ahead; see how much you can already save just by doing this.