Reduce Your Energy Costs

A local energy company in Clearwater Florida is proposing to raise its energy costs...again. Over the last year this company has raised its rates by around thirty percent and residents are starting to worry that, with the economy tanking and layoffs happening everywhere, that they won't be able to afford to keep their electricity on anymore. And while Florida is known for being warm all year round, who wants to go camping in the winter, especially when there is no end in site to the camping? It only takes a couple of days before the idea of a hot shower becomes so beautiful that you consider bribing your friends and family to let you live with them instead of trying to keep your own-just so that you can feel warm water on your skin again.

In a time when energy costs are increasing (ironic considering the drop in fuel costs), it becomes even more important to cut down on power usage. The following list presents Clearwater residents with some tried and true ways to cut down on their energy bills and some more...creative ideas as well.

1. Put blankets over your windows and outside access doors. Sure it makes you look like a hillbilly, but when you cover your windows, you reduce the amount of heat loss that occurs. Windows and outside access doors are like sucking vortexes for heat. The thicker their coverings, the warmer your house will stay-and you won't have to keep kicking the heater up a notch.

2. Unplug whatever you are not using. Sure it's a pain in the butt to have to plug your television set back in, but it has been proven that unplugging appliances and machines when they are not in use can do a lot more to cut down on your electric bill than simply turning them off.

3. Learn to love hats and shoes. Most of your body heat is lost through your head and your feet. If you keep them covered, you won't be as tempted to kick up the heat in your home!

4. Grill-even in winter! Using your grill or barbecue cuts down on the amount of power you need to make dinner and can lower your bill. No it won't be fun to stand outside if it is cold, but grilling or barbecuing even just a few times a week can spell the difference between being able to afford your electric bill and....not.

5. Join some clubs or other social organizations that require you to leave the house. The less time you spend at home, the less energy you will use. Join a knitting group or a book club-something that doesn't require money to join or a lot of driving around. Plus, you'll make friends and have fun!

These are just five ways that you can cut down on your energy costs. You already know about energy saving light bulbs and the like. Now it is time to get creative and figure out what else you can do to reduce your energy consumption!

For more information on Clearwater Florida, visit http://www.clearwatermicroblog.com and http://www.flmicroblog.com.

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