Brianne Spaeth
SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary’s own Ron Lenz serves as chairman of the SaddleBrooke TWO Energy Task Force in order to help provide a cost-benefit analysis of the usage of energy for SaddleBrooke TWO here in SaddleBrooke. Ron and the other members of the Energy Task Force came up with many ways for SaddleBrooke TWO to save money each year. Following these few easy principles, we could even save money in our very own homes.
Ron’s 5 easy ways to save on utility costs at home:
1. Pay attention to your electric bill. There are some households that may find that their energy bills are higher than usual. So it comes as no surprise to find that they may decide to look into finding TXU energy rates, for example, and switching energy providers, using less AC/heating, and using energy-efficient lightbulbs to hopefully save money on energy bills. If you are switching your energy provider, then you want to make sure you are getting the best deal possible or else it’s not even really worth changing. Save money by comparing electricity rates from many different providers to find the best price.
Your utility may charge different rates for usage (kWh) and demand (kW) depending on the time of day. Sometimes, utility services are known to charge above reasonable rates to consumers which can lead to valid complaints being filed to the likes of the Public Service Commission of South Carolina who can act to establish fair and reasonable rates for utility services.
2. Replace incandescent, halogen and fluorescent lights with LED (50-85% less electricity usage, longer life, and less heat is given off). Use Energy Star appliances.
3. Set room temperatures for both cost and comfort seasonally; setting temperatures slightly higher in the summer and lower in the winter saves three to ten percent. Use ceiling fans.
4. Replace older A/C units (10-SEER) for newer (15-SEER and higher) models saves 33% or more.
5. Invest in solar whenever possible for home electricity and pool heating needs. Take advantage of tax credits and rebates.