Quick Answer: The National Foundation for Credit Counseling© (NFCC©) recommends turning off unused electronics, installing programmable thermostats, and using power strips to combat a predicted 4.8% increase in household energy costs. Simple energy efficiency measures can provide significant savings during seasonal temperature extremes.
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling© (NFCC©) offers tips to help ease the financial pinch of seasonal energy consumption.
Washington, DC (PRWEB) June 26, 2015
Sizzling heat and freezing temperatures can take a sizable chunk out of household budgets throughout the year, making seasonal extremes seem even more miserable. The Energy Information Administration (EIA), in a report released June 9, 2015, has predicted a 4.8% increase in household energy costs this summer, tightening the pressure on budgets that may already be stretched to the limit.
“Changing seasons require renters and homeowners to adapt quickly when it comes to household savings,” said National Foundation for Credit Counseling© (NFCC©) vice president of public relations and external affairs Bruce McClary. “The good news is that there is more than one way to achieve the kind of energy efficiency that can add up to extra savings.”
Every weekday I read the enforcement actions, filings and fine print the outlets skip, and turn them into the one or two moves that actually improve your position — a rate worth moving for, a fee you can refuse, a deadline to beat before it costs you.
In the latest issue (Oct 8): A parent's nursing home bill can become yours
I write Your Money Actually most weekdays — actionable money information you will not find anywhere else, and the small decisions that compound. It is free, I sell nothing, and I take no money from any company I write about.
The NFCC wants everyone to be comfortable while saving money on energy expenses, and is offering the following tips:
- Turn off lights, televisions, stereos, computers, and other electrical devises when not in use.
- Lower utility bills by installing a programmable thermostat to efficiently manage heating and cooling.
- Many items such as televisions and DVR players operate on standby mode when they appear to be powered off – using electricity and costing extra money. Plug these into a power strip and use the switch on the strip to turn them off and prevent them from running on standby.
- Light bulbs, home appliances, electronics, and other products that display the ENERGY STAR® label are products that comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy guidelines.
- Dry dishes by hand instead of using a heated drying cycle in the dishwasher.
- A hot water heater can still be effective when the thermostat is lowered to 120°F.
- Replace older shower heads with low flow attachments.
- Wait for a full load before washing clothes and dishes.
- Use a clothesline to dry clothes or use the air dry setting on the dryer.
- Close all windows and doors when heating or cooling the home.
It can be hard to keep a budget on track when trying to stay comfortable at home. If energy costs have contributed to uncontrollable debt, the NFCC can provide financial counseling in-person, by phone, or online. To reach a certified financial counselor, consumers can call (800) 388-2227 or visit http://www.nfcc.org to get help today.
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), founded in 1951, is the nation’s largest and longest serving national nonprofit financial counseling organization. The NFCC’s mission is to promote the national agenda for financially responsible behavior, and build capacity for its members to deliver the highest-quality financial education and counseling services. NFCC members annually help millions of consumers through more than 600 community-based offices nationwide. For free and affordable confidential advice through a reputable NFCC member, call (800) 388-2227, (en Español (800) 682-9832) or visit http://www.nfcc.org.
Dealing With Debt? Understanding your options is the first step. See how all your debt relief options compare — including ones most sites won’t tell you about. The Find Your Path quiz gives a recommendation based on your actual numbers, and the Scam-O-Meter checks any company’s complaint history before you sign. Federal Reserve research shows bankruptcy filers recover faster than those who don’t file.
