KEEPING THOSE CHRISTMAS COST LOW

Do you remember what last year’s utility bills after the Christmas Season looked like? Almost every household and commercial activity requires the use of energy. The best defence against the increasing cost of energy is energy conservation and wise energy consumption habits. So then, as knowledgeable consumers try the following to see how much you can reduce this year’s bill:

• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents, as these are more efficient in energy consumption. The extra amount you spend to purchase them will be regained in lower electricity bills.
• Turn lights off when not in use. Use low wattage bulbs for bathrooms, closets and passages, concentrate bright bulbs for areas where reading and sewing etc. is done.
• Limit the opening of your refrigerator. The refrigerator consumes more energy to get rid of hot air than it would take to maintain a constant temperature, therefore try to lessen your trips to fetch items.
• Avoid using multiple appliances at the same time. This can cause an overload of the electrical circuitry and also is not an efficient consumption of energy.
• Switch off and unplug radios, televisions, computers and fans when they are not in use. Some of these appliances consume energy even when they are turned off. The fancy light displays use energy too.
• Try to merge smaller tasks. Wait until you have a full load for the washing machine, dryer or dishwasher, before using these appliances.
• Do not plug too many items (especially Christmas light etc) in one outlet. They may become overheated and can start an electrical fire.
• Dirty coils on the back or bottom of your refrigerator, washing machine or dryer can make it work harder than necessary therefore consuming more energy and causing a higher light bill. Check and clean the coils regularly based on manufacturer’s instruction, this will improve its efficiency and cut costs. When on the road and you go to fill you gas tanks;
• Use the correct grade of fuel: using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil can improve your gas mileage by 1-2 percentage.
• Avoid long idles for your vehicle: If you anticipate stopping for more than 1 minute, shut off the vehicle. Restarting the vehicle uses less fuel than letting it idle for this time.
• Plan your routes to avoid known congested intersections or peak hour traffic

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