Easy Ways to Save Energy in the Home

(NewsUSA)- The average American family will spend more than $2,000 on home utility bills this year, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.

"Energy savings is on everyone's mind," says Beau Parker, vice president of marketing at Hunter Fan Co. "With the inflation of gasoline and electricity prices, consumers are seeking energy-efficient measures to help control the rising energy costs." The Department of Energy estimates that as much as 45 percent of home energy usage is dedicated to heating and cooling.

Here are some ways to save on energy bills now:

* Use ceiling fans to supplement air conditioning and heating. Ceiling fans help lower winter heating costs when run in a clockwise, or updraft, direction. The hot air trapped at ceiling level is recirculated, allowing more even, comfortable heating while reducing winter bills by up to 10 percent.

* Clean or replace dirty furnace filters monthly. Dirty filters block airflow through heating and cooling systems, increasing costs and shortening the equipment's life span.

* Lower the thermostat on your water heater to a warm setting of 120 F. Almost 15 percent of average energy bills go toward heating water. Also, use an insulation blanket, which will hold heat inside the tank longer.

* Unplug or switch devices off when not in use, including cell phone chargers and computers. Nationally, the Alliance to Save Energy estimates that 5 percent of energy is used by such devices, costing consumers more than $8 billion annually.

To benefit from long-term efficiency, try these tips:



* Install a programmable thermostat to automatically control heating and air conditioning, allowing energy savings while sleeping or away from home. A thermostat adjusted 10 degrees for eight hours will save approximately 10 percent on utility bills. Hunter offers digital programmable thermostats that are Energy Star-compliant and pre-programmed to Energy Star standards.

* Get a professional home energy audit to thoroughly assess how much energy your home consumes and highlight problems that, when corrected, may save significant amounts of money and energy over time. Contact state or local energy offices for recommendations on qualified auditors.

For more information on Hunter's Energy Star products, visit www.hunterfan.com .