Here are 7 tips to help you cut your energy costs—from Arnold Electric

• Install motion sensors. By installing motion sensors to control the lighting in individual rooms and the outdoors, you only use electricity when you’re you need it. So you save money. This tip is especially good for kids’ rooms. It’ll help you save money – and save you from nagging your kids.  $$
• Install timers on bath and attic fans. It’s easy to forget to turn these fans off. So by installing timers, you don’t have to remember to turn them off. And you still save energy costs.  $$
• Use energy-saving light bulbs. These bulbs use less electricity but give you as good – or better – lighting. Plus, they last longer than the traditional incandescent bulb. This simple tip will save you money in so many ways. $$$
• Use proper lighting. When it comes to lighting a room, more is not better. Too many lighting fixtures in a room just add to your electric bill, and only make the room excessively bright. So just use enough fixtures –and the right ones -- to give useable light to a room. $$
• Maintain a clean furnace. When your furnace is dirty, the motor has to work harder to keep your home warm. Putting unnecessary stress on thry stress on the motor not only uses more energy but also shortens the life of your furnace. $$
• Keep the area clear around your air conditioner. By doing this, you’re allowing your air conditioner to operate at peak efficiency because you don’t stress the motor. And stressing the motor makes it work harder, using more energy, and shortens its life, having you replace your unit much sooner than you’d had to, if you kept the area around your air conditioner clear. $$
• Vacuum under your refrigerator. This allows your refrigerator to operate at peak efficiency, and . . . well, you get the picture.  $$