Keeping The Electricity Bill Low

Here in Australia we are now getting into the summer months, yet those on the other side of the world are battening down the hatches for winter. Trying to survive in the current economic climate is a universal challenge, whether it is wondering if you will be able to afford to heat your home this winter and still be able to eat or dreading the electricity bill when the air conditioner has been on all week. The good news is that there are ways to cut energy bills, and you might even get paid to do it.

Around the world many governments, as part of their stimulus plans, are trying to help homeowners cope by encouraging them to make their homes more energy efficient. Some are offering sizable tax credits when you replace your doors and window with more energy efficient models or add insulation to your walls or ceiling. Other governments are offering incentives for commercial businesses and residents to make their own electricity with wind power or solar panels. This of course involves the installation of a Wind Turbine Kits and/or solar panels on your property. Don't worry! We aren't talking about a 60' turbine or hundreds of panels. What we are talking about is a home wind power kit that, tied in with the other points below, can save you a bunch of money.

Much of the heat loss in a home comes from leaky, poorly sealed, and old windows and doors. Technology has made significant advancements in the energy efficiency of windows and doors, so if yours are more than 10 years old it's probably time for an upgrade. Obviously if the warm air (or cool air) continually leaks out you will use a lot more energy trying to keep your home the temperature you want.

I know that, with the economy in the shape it's in, not everyone can afford the expense of buying new windows and doors, tax credit or no tax credit. Many companies now make window kits, which are essentially a plastic sheet you can put over your existing windows to add another layer and prevent heat loss. They are inexpensive to buy and easy to fit.

So if you want to take advantage of the tax credit and buy new windows, that would be great, or you can pay about the same amount to make your own wind turbine and use cheap (free) energy to assist in heating your house. The fact is, if you can do both, you will definitely cut your energy bills whether you are facing summer or winter.